|ublications 


istorical     ^ocidg    of    fiennsgluania. 


THE 

PENN    AND    LOGAN 

CORRESPONDENCE. 


AMS  PRESS 

NEW  YORK 


CORRESPONDENCE 


BETWEEN 


WILLIAM    PENN 


AND 


JAMES    LOGAN. 

SECRETARY   OF   THE   PROVINCE   OF    PENNSYLVANIA, 

AND   OTHERS. 

1700-1750. 


FROM  THE  ORIGINAL  LETTERS  IN  POSSESSION  OF  TFJE 
LOGAN  FAMILY. 

WITH    NOTES    BY   THE    LATE 

MRS.  DEBORAH  LOGAN. 


EDITED   WITH   ADDITIONAL  NOTES   BY     . 

EDWARD  ARMSTRONG,  M.A., 

MEMBUR  OF  THE  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,  ETC.  BTC. 


VOL.  I. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED  BY  J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  &  CO. 

FOR  THE  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

AND   SOLD    BY   JOHN    PENNINGTON   &   SON. 

1870. 


Library  of  Congress  Cataloging  in  Publication  Data 

Pemi,  William,  16^4-1718. 

Correspondence  between  William  Penn  and  James  Logan, 
and  others,  1700-1750. 

(Publications  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Penn- 
sylvania) 

1.  Pennsylvania — History — Colonial  period — Sources. 
2.  Penn  family.   I.  Logan,  James,  16^7-1751. 
II.   Series:  Pennsylvania.  Historical  Society. 
Memoirs . 

F152.P2872      974.8 '02      72-173943 
ISBN  0-404-04985-0 


Reprinted  from  the  edition  of  1870-72,  Philadelphia 
First  AMS  edition  published  in  1972 
Manufactured  in  the  United  States  of  America 


International  Standard  Book  Number: 
Complete  Set:  0-404-04985-0 
Volume   One:  0-404-04986-9 


AMS  PRESS  INC. 

NEW  YORK,  N.Y.  10003 


"  The  Trustees  of  the  Publication  Fund  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania  " 
have  published  five  volumes. 

The  first  was  the  "  History  of  Braddock's  Expedition,"  forming  the  fifth  volume 
of  the  Memoirs; 

The  second,  "  Contributions  to  American  History,"  forming  the  sixth  volume  of 
the  Memoirs; 

The  third,  the  "Record  of  the  Court  at  Upland,  Pennsylvania,  1676  to  1681," 
and  a  "Military  Journal,  kept  by  Major  E.  Denny,  1781  to  1795,"  forming  the 
se\»enth  volume  of  the  Memoirs; 

The  fourth,  a  republication  of  the  "  First  Volume  of  the  Memoirs  of  the  Society ; " 

The  fifth,  "  Minutes  of  the  Committee  of  Defence  of  Philadelphia,  &c.,  1814-1815," 
forming  the  eighth  volume  of  the  Memoirs ; 

The  sixth,  the  present  volume,  forming  the  ninth  volume  of  the  Memoirs. 

The  amount  so  far  received  and  invested  by  the  trustees  of  the  fund  is  sixteen 
thousand  dollars,  the  interest  only  of  which  is  applied  to  publishing.  By  the  pay- 
ment of  twenty-five  dollars,  any  one  becomes  entitled  to  receive,  during  his  or  her 
life,  all  the  publications  of  the  Society. 

John  Jordan,  Jr.,   ^ 
William  Strong,     I  Trustees. 
Aubrey  H.  Smith,) 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1870,  by 

THE  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA, 

in  the  Clerk's  OflSce  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  Sutes  in  and  for  the  Extern  District  of 

Pennsylvania. 


PHILADELPHIA. 
LIPPINCOTT'S     PRESS. 


ERRATUM. 

On  page  xlvi.,  in  third  line  from  foot,  read  Chestnut  and  Walnut, 
instead  of  "Fourth  and  Fifth." 


PREFACE. 


IN  the  year  1814,  the  late  Mrs.  Deborah  Logan,  the  wife  of 
Doctor  George  Logan,  the  grandson  of  James  Logan,  the 
secretary  and  trusted  friend  of  William  Penn,  impressed  with 
the  historical  value  of  the  correspondence  between  the  propri- 
etary and  his  secretary,^  in  the  possession  of  her  family,  began 
the  task  of  collating,  deciphering,  and  copying  it. 

A  lady  of  remarkable  method,  industry,  and  intelligence,  she 
rose  long  before  sunlight  in  winter,  and  at  daybreak  in  sum- 
mer, for  the  purpose  of  fulfilling  the  duty  which  she  had  assigned 
herself. 

"When  I  first  undertook  to  copy  them,"  she  remarks  in  her  Intro- 
duction to  the  first  volume  of  the  Correspondence,  "it  was  only  with 
a  view  to  their  preservation,  the  originals  being  much  decayed.  After 
the  second  volume  was  completed,  I  discovered  others  which  were 
prior  in  point  of  time  to  those  already  inserted.     These  I  formed  into 

'  [How  narrowly  these  papers  escaped  destruction  during  the  war  of 
the  Revolution,  will  be  seen  by  the  following  narrative : 

"When  the  British  burned  seventeen  houses,  at  one  time,  between 
Philadelphia  and  Germantown,  in  retaliation  for  some  aggressions 
made,  they  said,  from  some  of  these  houses,  they  ordered  '  Stenton  ' 
house  to  be  included.  Two  men  came  to  execute  it :  they  told  the 
housekeeper  to  take  out  her  private  property,  while  they  went  to  the 
barn  for  straw  to  fire  it.  A  British  officer  rode  up,  inquiring  for 
deserters.  With  much  presence  of  mind,  she  said  they  had  just  gone 
to  the  barn  to  hide  themselves  in  the  straw.  Off  he  went,  crying, 
'  Come  out !  you  rascals,  arid  run  before  me  into  camp  !  '  In  vain  they 
protested  and  alleged  their  commissions,  and  thus  Logan's  house  was 
spared." — Watsoh's  Anna /s,  vol.  ii.,  p.  39,  edition  of  1857.  —  Editor.] 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

an  appendix,  together  with  other  papers  which  appeared  to  me  to  merit 
a  rescue  from  oblivion.  And  indeed  many  of  them  evidently  belong 
to  the  public,  as  containing  references  to  transactions  which  the  historian 
may  claim  as  his  right,  whilst  the  sentiments  and  opinions  of  such  emi- 
nent characters  as  William  Penn  and  James  Logan  seem  to  be  a  part  of 
the  common  inheritance  of  mankind,  and  therefore  ought  not  to  be 
withheld  from  them.  In  performing  the  work,  the  selections  have 
been  made  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  of  which,  however,  I  am  very 
diffident,  and  regret  that  it  had  not  fallen  to  the  lot  of  some  one  to 
arrange  and  methodize  the  materials  of  which  these  volumes  are  com- 
posed who  had  been  more  capable  and  familiar  with  such  an  employ- 
ment. In  contemplating  the  sudden  rise  of  Pennsylvania  to  her  present 
state  of  wealth,  strength,  and  resources,  the  mind  becomes  curious  to 
trace  the  steps  of  such  prosperity ;  and  I  flatter  myself  that  I  am  per- 
forming an  acceptable  service  to  my  fellow-citizens  in  discovering  to 
their  view  some  of  the  remote  rills  and  fountains  which  are  the  sources 
of  the  majestic  river  which  we  now  survey.  The  notes  inserted  in  the 
work,  and  the  notices  of  the  characters  mentioned  in  the  letters,  are 
mostly  from  information  received  from  papers  in  the  collection  at  Sten- 
ton.  The  reader  will  please  to  bear  in  mind  that,  whilst  William  Penn 
resided  in  this  country  during  his  second  visit,  James  Logan  resided 
in  his  family  as  his  secretary ;  and  when  the  proprietor  and  his  lady 
moved  up  to  Pennsbury  —  which  was  still  unfinished  —  he  remained  in 
their  house  in  town ;  whence  the  mention  of  family  affairs  and  direc- 
tions, to  be  found  in  the  first  series  of  letters." 

It  was  the  design  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  to 
publish  the  entire  correspondence  presented  by  Mrs.  Logan ; 
but  an  apprehension  that  the  little  general  interest  manifested 
at  that  time  in  our  provincial  history  would  not  justify  the  risk 
of  so  extensive  an  undertaking,  caused  the  project  to  be  relin- 
quished. 

The  Philosophical  Society,  at  the  request  of  the  Historical 
Society  of  Pennsylvania,  having  kindly  permitted  the  use  of 


PREFACE.  IX 

the  correspondence,  the  trustees  of  the  publication  fund  now 
avail  themselves  of  the  existence  of  a  greater  interest  in  our 
early  annals,  to  give  to  the  public  that  which  they  believe  will 
be  acknowledged  one  of  the  most  valuable  series  of  letters 
relating  to  the  history  of  any  province  or  colony  which  have  as 
yet  appeared. 

Mrs.  Logan  continued  her  labors  for  several  succeeding  years, 
and  the  result  was  the  production  of  eleven  quarto  manuscript 
volumes. 

Her  first  attempt  consisted  of  three  volumes.  These,  with 
the  addition  of  many  letters  subsequently  discovered'  by  her, 
she  afterward  recopied,  with  annotations,  into  four  volumes. 
A  duplicate  copy  of  this  last  series  was  made  at  the  request  of 
the  Historical  Committee  of  the  American  Philosophical  Soci- 
ety, to  which  she  added  many  other  letters  hitherto  uncopied, 
arid  to  which  were  also  added  notes  by  Mr.  Joshua  Francis 
Fisher,  also  a  descendant  of  Logan,  than  whom  none  could  be 
found  more  familiar  with  the  history  of  the  province,  or  more 
competent  to  elucidate  its  annals. 

In  a  letter  dated  "Stenton,  January  ist,  1820,"  from  Mrs. 
Logan  to  the  late  Mr.  Peter  S.  Du  Ponceau,  chairman  of  the 
Historical  Committee,  she  remarks  : 

"  I  have  now  the  pleasure  of  sending  thee  the  fourth  volume  of  my 
'Selections.'  But  with  respect  to  the  letters  of  William  Penn  and 
those  of  James  Logan  in  return,  that  term  is  not  correct ;  for  I  have 
copied  the  whole  of  their  correspondence  which  is  in  our  possession. 

"You  will  observe  what  light  these  letters  throw  on  the  differences 
between  our  early  assemblies  and  the  deputy  governors,  and  will  par- 
ticularly see  in  what  circumstances  of  fraud  the  remonstrance  from 
the  Assembly  in  1 704  had  its  rise,  and  that  many  of  the  complaints 

'  [Mrs.  Logan's  notes  are  printed  with  her  initial  at  the  end ;  those 
for  which  the  Editor  is  responsible  are  placed  in  brackets.  —  Editor.] 


X  PREFACE. 

then  made  against  our  illustrious  founder  were  either  futile  in  them- 
selves or  had  their  origin  in  events  which  he  could  not  control ;  and  I 
am  persuaded  it  would  not  be  difficult',  from  these  materials,  to  invali- 
date the  charges  made  against  this  truly  excellent  man  and  his  most 
able  and  upright  secretary,  James  Logan,  by  the  author  of  the  *  His- 
torical Review,'  which  is  now  acknowledged  to  have  been  the  work 
of  Dr.  Franklin,  a  name  so  identified  with  the  reputation  of  our  coun- 
try that  very  few  of  its  citizens  (even  if  they  possessed  the  means) 
would  wish  to  detract  from  his  well-earned  fame  ;  yet  it  is  hard  to 
reconcile  the  opprobrious  and  disrespectful  manner  in  which  James 
Logan  is  constantly  mentioned  in  that  work  with  the  veneration 
expressed  for  his  memory  by  Dr.  Franklin,  who  often,  in  conversation 
respecting  him  with  Dr.  Logan,  acknowledged  his  obligation  to  him 
in  the  beginning  of  his  career,  and  valued  himself  on  his  friendship. 
Many  of  his  own  letters  and  notes  to  James  Logan,  still  extant  at 
Stenton,  would  confirm  this ;  and  these  notes  and  the  subjects  of  them 
make  it  appear  not  a  little  extraordinary  that  in  Dr.  Franklin's  me- 
moirs no  notice  is  taken  of  the  intercourse  subsisting  between  them. 
Shall  I  say  that  it  appears  as  if  a  sense  of  the  injustice  done  to  his 
memory  in  the  '  Historical  Review  '  occasioned  the  omission  ?  That 
work  was  written  for  party  purposes,  and,  as  it  too  frequently  happens 
on  such  occasions,  Genius  and  Ability  stooped  to  sacrifice  Truth,  Can- 
dor, and  Character  at  its  evanescent  shrine."  * 

The  public  are  already  somewhat  familiar  with  this  corre- 
spondence, from  the  liberal  use  of  the  earlier  portions  of  it  made 


'  [Dr.  Franklin  denied  being  the  author  of  the  "  Historical  Review." 
Mr.  Parton,  in  his  recently  published  "Life  of  Franklin,"  says  that 
William  Franklin  was  the  author  of  the  work.  The  statements  in  it 
respecting  the  proposed  impeachment  of  Logan  rest  upon  record  evi- 
dence ;  but,  although  Logan  always  signified  his  readiness  to  meet  the 
charges  against  him,  the  assembly  never  saw  fit  to  proceed  with  them. 
An  opponent  of  the  proprietary  interests  would,  in  the  heat  of  party 
strife,  naturally  regard  Logan,  their  staunch  and  able  defender,  with 
any  but  friendly  feelings.  —  Editor.] 


PREFACE.  XI 

by  Mr.  Samuel  M.  Janney,  in  his  comprehensive  "  Life  of 
William  Penn,"  and  from  the  liberal  extracts,  accompanied  by 
valuable  comments,  published  by  Mr.  Alfred  Cope  in  the  Phila- 
delphia "  Friend,"  under  the  title  "  Proprietary  Correspondence," 
beginning  in  July,  1842,  and  ending  in  April,  1846. 

This  is,  however,  the  first  attempt  to  publish  the  correspond- 
ence in  its  entirety  —  a  correspondence  which  will  be  found  to 
extend  over  a  period  of  forty  years,  and  to  constantly  increase 
in  interest.  It  is  supposed  the  publication  may  be  completed  in 
three  volumes,  of  which  that  now  presented  forms  the  first. 
The  others  will  be  issued  at  the  earliest  day  practicable. 

The  Editor's  thanks  are  returned  to  the  American  Philosophi- 
cal Society,  and  to  its  librarian,  Mr.  J.  P.  Lesley,  for  the  facilities 
afforded  in  the  prosecution  of  his  task ;  to  Doctor  George  W. 
Norris,  for  the  use  of  a  valuable  collection  of  letters,  selected 
and  copied  by  his  father,  the  late  Mr.  Joseph  Parker  Norris, 
from  the  family  papers;  and  to  Miss  Mary  Norris  Logan,  for 
the  loan  of  the  manuscript  volume  of  letters  copied  by  her 
grandmother,  Mrs.  Deborah  Logan,  and  for  many  original  let- 
ters of  Penn  and  Logan.  The  possession  of  the  latter  has 
enabled  him  to  add  some  letters  which  remained  uncopied  by 
Mrs.  Logan,  but  which  he  thought  possessed  sufficient  interest 
to  justify  their  publication. 

Mr.  Joseph  C.  G.  Kennedy,  of  Washington,  D.  C,  has  placed 
in  his  hands  an  original  letter-book,  containing  the  corre- 
spondence of  Logan  from  the  year  1717  to  1728,  of  which 
valuable  use  will  be  made;  and  to  him  also  his  thanks  are 
due. 

The  second  volume  of  the  Correspondence,  it  is  expected, 
will  be  ready  for  the  press  before  the  close  of  the  year. 

E.  A. 

Church  Lane,  Germantown, 
February  15th,  1870, 


CONTENTS. 


Pagb 
THE  PENN  FAMILY, 

Bv  Mr.  John  Jay  Smith xv 

MEMOIR  OF  MRS.  DEBORAH  LOGAN, 

By  Mr.  Isaac  Norris xlii 

ACCOUNT  OF  MRS.  DEBORAH  LOGAN'S  ANCESTORS, 

In  Note xlii 

LINES  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  MRS.  DEBORAH  LOGAN xlix 

MEMOIR  OF  JAMES  LOGAN, 

By  Mrs.  Deborah  Logan li 

INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS  TO  THE  CORRESPONDENCE, 

By  Mks.  Deborah  Logan Ivi 

PENN  AND  LOGAN  CORRESPONDENCE. 

xiii 


THE   PENN    FAMILY. 


THE  object  of  the  present  paper  —  written  at  the  request  of 
the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania^  —  is  to  bring  down 
to  the  present  day  a  history  of  the  Penn  family,*  rather  than  to 
commemorate  its  elder  branches,  or  enter  uppn  a  history  of  the 
State. 

Beginning  with  Sir  William  Penn,  Knight,  the  father  of  our 
founder,  and  one  of  England's  great  admirals,  we  briefly  trace 
his  ancestry  to  William  Penn,  who  died  in  the  year  1591.  His 
son,  Giles  Penn,  the  father  of  the  admiral,  was  born  in  162 1, 
and  married,  in  1643,  Margaret  Jasper.'  The  admiral,  a  man 
of  great  ability  in  his  profession,  received  early  and  rapid  pro- 
motion, rising,  at  twenty-one,  to  be  captain  in  the  English 
navy,  vice-admiral  of  Ireland  at  twenty-six,  admiral  in  the 
Straits  at  twenty-nine,  vice-admiral  of  England  at  thirty-one, 
general  of  the  Dutch  war  at  thirty-two,  member  of  Parliament 
at  thirty-four,  governor  of  Kingsale  at  thirty-nine,  and  captain- 
commander  under  the  Duke  of  York  at  forty-three.     He  died 

'  This  sketch  of  the  Penn  family  was  the  subject  of  an  evening's 
entertainment,  having  been  read  before  the  Historical  Society  by  its 
author,  Mr.  John  Jay  Smith,  on  the  i8th  of  November,  1867, 

"  "Sir  William  Penn's  daughter  Margaret  was  married  to  Anthony 
Lowther,  Esq.,  of  Mask,  in  the  County  of  York,  whose  descendant 
in  the  second  generation,  Sir  Thomas  Lowther,  of  Holker,  in  the 
County  of  Lancaster,  Bart.,  married  the  Lady  Elizabeth  Cavendish, 
daughter  of  William  Cavendish,  Duke  of  Devonshire.  Their  only 
son  and  child,  William,  dying  unmarried,  in  1756,  the  title  became 
extinct,  and  his  estates  passed,  by  his  will,  to  the  noble  house  of  Cav- 
endish."— Life  of  Sir  William  Penn,  by  Granville  Penn. 


XVI  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

in  his   fiftieth  year.     His  epitaph,  in   Redclift"   church,   Bristol, 
England,  after  enumerating  his  services,  says : 

"  He  withdrew, 

Prepared  and  made  his  end ;  and  with  a  gentle  and 

Even  Gale,  in  much  peace,  arrived  and  anchored  in  his 

Last  and  Best  Port,  at  Wanstead,  in  ye  County  of  Essex, 

Ye  1 6th  of  September,  1670,  being  then  but  49  years  and  4  months  old: 

To  whose  name  and  merit  his  surviving  Lady  hath  erected  this  remembrance." 

It  sounds  oddly  in  the  ear  of  a  Pennsylvanian,  upon  reaching 
England,  to  learn  that  the  name  and  fame  of  Admiral  Penn  are 
better  known  and  more  appreciated  than  the  actions  of  the 
founder  of  our  State.  Time  will  decide  between  the  reputations 
of  the  father  and  son.  The  one  may  have  fought  bravely  and 
destroyed  his  thousands  of  human  lives  —  the  other  founded  a 
great  commonwealth,  and  introduced  laws  whose  significant 
value  has  impressed  itself  on  a  whole  great  nation's  history ; 
and  all  time  will  but  strengthen  his  claims  on  the  gratitude  of 
the  ages. 

In  his  "  GREAT  LAW,"  passed  in  1682,  at  Chester,  will  be  found 
the  grand  declaration  as  to  liberty  of  conscience :  "  Nor  shall 
he  or  she,  at  any  time,  be  compelled  to  frequent  or  main- 
tain any  religious  worship,  place,  or  ministry  whatever,  con- 
trary to  his  or  her  mind,  but  shall  freely  and  fully  enjoy  his 
or  her  Christian  liberty  in  that  respect,  without  any  interruption 
or  reflection."  The  result  of  this  law  —  one  so  strongly  in  con- 
trast with  the  intolerant  legislation  of  the  Old  World,  from 
which  such  numbers  had  fled  and  so  many  are  fleeing  —  can 
scarcely  be  appreciated.  Upon  other  states  this  enlarged  view 
of  the  rights  of  conscience  had  a  powerful  influence,  and  they 
were  not  tardy  in  incorporating  into  their  constitutions  the 
grand,  imperishable  doctrine.  The  basis  of  the  proprietary 
government  was  not  Christianity  restricted  to  particular  tenets 
—  not  a  church  establishment,  with  tithes  and  spiritual  courts; 
but  Christianity,  with  liberty  of  conscience  to  all  men.  The 
story  of  the  foundation  of  Pennsylvania,  the  rescue  of  the  pro- 
prietary interests  from  many  and  serious  embarrassments,  and 
the  correspondence  of  the  founder  with  his  agent  here,  are  full 
of  human  interest;  and  the  last,  detailing,  as  it  does,  the  sor- 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XVll 

rows  and  anxieties  of  the  "  great  and  good  Penn,"  cannot  be 
even  hastily  perused  without  profound  emotion. 

The  long  agony  was  at  last  over.  William  Penn  died  on 
30th  July,  1718.  The  province  passed  to  his  sons  —  a  princi- 
pality now,  with  resources  so  vast  and  expanding  that  the  mind 
fails  to  grasp  its  future.  It  would  have  been  fair  to  anticipate 
that  the  family  which  had  obtained  and  planted  so  great  a  seed 
would  continue  for  centuries  to  reap  the  ripened  fruit.  Such, 
however,  was  not  the  case.  The  sons  met  with  opposition,  as 
did  their  father,  and  with  the  usual  difficulties  attendant  on  the 
founding  of  a  province :  some  agents  embezzled  the  money 
produced  by  sales  of  land,  while  the  daily  wants  of  each  pro- 
prietary absorbed  much  of  the  proceeds  obtained  by  parting  in 
haste  with  the  most  valuable  properties.  At  the  same  time  it 
is  right  to  record  that  their  revenues  from  the  State  were  not 
inconsiderable,  and  were  mainly  expended  in  the  adornment 
of  their  dwellings  of  Stoke  and  of  Pennsylvania  Castle.  These 
revenues  have  now  almost  entirely  ceased.  William  Penn  had, 
by  his  first  wife,  Gulielma  Maria  Springett,  a  son,  William,  upon 
whom  he  settled  the  estates  in  England  and  Ireland  inherited 
from  Admiral  Penn,  and  those  brought  by  his  first  wife,  together 
producing  an  income  of  about  fifteen  hundred  pounds  per  annum. 
These  estates  were  then  considered  more  valuable  than  the 
American  possessions,  which  were  devised  to  John,  Thomas, 
and  Richard  Penn,  the  sons  by  William  Penn's  second  wife, 
Hannah  Callowhill.  In  this  connection  it  may  be  proper  to 
advert,  for  a  moment,  to  the  residences  of  William  Penn  in 
England  and  Ireland.  His  early  residence  in  Ireland,  Shan- 
garry  Castle,  is  now  an  ivy-covered  ruin  ;  but  its  tall  tower, 
rising  above  the  bright-green  foliage,  gives  a  commanding  and 
picturesque  air  to  the  remains.  The  Irish  estates  were  in  chan- 
cery for  a  long  period,  and  were  not  released  till  1800,  when 
they  were  divided  between  the  heirs  at  law  of  Peter  Gaskill  and 
Alexander  Durden.  The  latter  married  the  widow  of  William 
Penn's  oldest  son,  William,  in  1767,  and,  dying  soon  after,  she 
left  him,  Durden,  her  sole  heir. 

Worminghurst  House  was  situated  on  an  eminence  overlook- 

VOL.  I.  — B 


XVlll  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

ing  the  beautiful  South  Downs  of  Sussex,  and  within  a  few 
miles  of  the  sea.  It  was  razed  to  the  ground  long  since,  and 
the  Worminghurst  estate  absorbed  in  the  domains  of  the  Duke 
of  Norfolk :  only  the  stables  remain  to  mark  the  spot  where 
stood  that  charming  home,  so  long  brightened  by  the  presiding 
presence  of  Penn's  first  wife,  Gulielma  Maria. 

Ruscombe,  where  William  Penn  long  lived  during  the  latter 
years  of  his  life,  and  where  he  died,  is  about  six  miles  from 
Reading,  in  Berkshire.  The  house,  which  was  a  fine  one,  was 
pulled  down  a  few  years  since,  to  make  way  for  a  railroad.  But 
to  return  to  our  narrative  : 

John  Penn  visited  Pennsylvania  in  1734,  and  died,  without 
issue,  in  1746,  leaving  his  share  of  the  province  to  his  bfother 
Thomas,  who  came  to  Philadelphia  in  1732,  and  returned  to 
England  in  1740.  Thomas  married  Lady  Julianna  Fermor, 
and  died  in  1775.  A  curious  paper,  drawn  up  by  Thomas  Penn 
and  completed  by  Dr.  Franklin,  in  1759,  gives  a  minute  calcula- 
tion of  the  supposed  worth  of  the  proprietary  estate  in  Penn- 
sylvania, and  makes  the  aggregate  value  about  ten  millions 
sterling.  Twenty  years  later,  on  the  27th  November,  1779,  the 
Legislature  of  Pennsylvania  passed  an  act  (i  Smith,  479)  for 
vesting  the  estate  of  the  late  proprietaries  in  the  common- 
wealth. As  this  estate  originally  consisted  of  the  entire  soil 
of  the  province,  Sabine  is  correct  in  stating  that  it  "  was  by  far 
the  largest  that  was  forfeited  in  America,  and  perhaps  that  was 
ever  sequestered  during  any  civil  war  in  either  hemisphere." 
By  this  act  the  proprietaries'  private  estates,  including  the 
tenths  or  manors,  were  reserved  to  them,  and  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty  thousand  pounds  sterling  was  required  to 
be  paid  to  the  devisees  and  legatees  of  Thomas  and  Richard 
Penn  on  the  termination  of  the  war,  "  in  remembrance  of  the 
enterprising  spirit  of  the  founder,"  and  "  of  the  expectations 
and  dependence  of  his  descendants."  The  amount  of  money 
received  by  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  between  1781  and  1789, 
from  the  escheated  lands  of  the  heirs  of  William  Penn,  appears, 
by  the  comptroller-general's  account,  as  recorded  in  Janney's 
"  Life  of  Penn,"  to  have  been  ;^824.094  o.y.  "jd.  In  addition  to 
the   compensation   voted  by   this    State,   Parliament,   in    1790, 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XIX 

granted  an  annuity  of  four  thousand  pounds  per  annum  to  the 
eldest  male  descendant  of  William  Penn  by  his  second  wife,  to 
indemnify  the  family  for  the  loss  of  territorial  rights  in  Penn- 
sylvania consequent  on  the  Revolution.  This  annuity  is  still 
regularly  paid,  the  present  recipient  being,  as  I  suppose,  Wil- 
liam Stewart,  Esq.,  of  Aldenham  Abbey,  Herts. 

After  the  Revolution,  with  the  exception  of  John  Penn,  son 
of  Richard  and  grandson  of  William  Penn,  who  was  governor 
of  Pennsylvania  from  1763  to  I77i,and  from  1775  to  the  begin- 
ning of  hostilities,  and  who  died  in  Bucks  County  in  1795, 
Pennsylvanians  saW  and  heard  but  little  of  the  Founder's  family. 
It  may  almost  be  said  they  were  to  us  somewhat  of  a  myth.  The 
American  ambassador  for  the  time  being,  perhaps,  had  an 
annual  invitation  to  pass  a  da)'  or  two  at  Stoke  Park,  but  for  a 
long  time  before  my  own  first  visit  in  1845,  scarcely  half  a  dozen 
Pennsylvanians,  if  I  am  correctly  informed,  had  been  taken  cor- 
dially by  the  hand  by  any  member  of  the  family.  It  does  not 
appear  that  an  acerbity  had  grown  up  in  their  minds,  though 
they  had  to  sustain  their  rights  through  many  vexatious  contro- 
versies about  property;  but  other  interests  and  connections 
absorbed  their  attention  and  thoughts. 

Thomas  Penn's  eldest  son,  the  late  and  last  John  Penn, 
(grandson  of  the  Founder,)  was  a  virtuoso,  a  builder  and  an 
ornamenter  of  fine  residences  —  a  man  of  fashion,  and  no  longer 
retaining,  any  more  than  the  other  relatives,  the  religious  con- 
victions of  his  great  ancestor.  He  published  two  large  octavo 
volumes  of  poems,  elegantly  illustrated  ;  built  successively  the 
great  house  in  Kensington  Gardens,  London,  and  the  noble 
mansion  of  Stoke,  whose  magnificent  park  and  grounds  he  laid 
out  and  planted.  He  was  governor  of  the  island  of  Portland, 
from  which  he  derived  the  celebrated  stone  used  everywhere, 
and  of  which  the  new  Houses  of  Parliament  are  built.  Portland 
is  on  the  southern  coast  of  England,  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
five  miles  from  London,  with  which  it  is  now  connected  by  rail 
—  is  opposite  Cherbourg  on  the  French  coast,  and  twenty  miles 
west  of  the  Isle  of  Wight.  John  Penn  there  constructed  a  handsome 
dwelling  in  the  form  of  a  castle :  this  was  very  properly  named, 
at  the  suggestion  of  a  titled  female  relative,  Pennsylvania  Castle. 


XX  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

It  was  this  marine  residence  which  John's  nephew,  Granville 
John,  after  his  sale  of  Stoke  Park  to  Mr.  Labouchere,  member 
of  a  late  Cabinet,  (now  Lord  Taui^ton,)  called  his  home. 

Below  the  castle,  on  the  rocks  jutting  into  the  sea,  are  the 
remains  of  Bow-and-Arrow  Castle,  one  of  the  most  ancient  in 
England,  built,  says  tradition,  by  King  Arthur.  Ruin  as  it  is,  it 
is  still  beautifully  picturesque,  and  covered  with  very  ancient  ivy. 
The  ivy  had  become  yellow,  from  having  exhausted  the  too 
little  nourishment  the  rocks  afforded,  when  an  American,  in 
1865,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Penn  and  the  gardeners,  sup- 
plied its  roots  with  new  earth  to  resuscitate  its  amber  age.  The 
ruin  is  in  full  view  of  the  dining-room,  drawing-room,  and  library 
windows  of  the  newer  castle,  which  in  itself,  though  castellated, 
is  a  modern  residence,  calculated  for  a  large  family,  and  abound- 
ing in  every  comfort.  On  a  small  mounted  brass  cannon  on 
the  front  lawn,  with  its  muzzle  pointed  seaward,  is  inscribed 
that  it  was  presented  by  an  intimate  friend,  a  nobleman,  to  John 
Penn,  "  member  of  Parliament."  This  is  the  only  record  I  can 
recall  of  John  Penn's  membership  of  the  British  House  of  Com- 
mons. The  island  of  Portland  is  a  singularly  barren  one  as 
regards  trees  or  cultivation  ;  but  by  careful  shelter  and  artistic 
planting,  John  Penn  succeeded  in  surrounding  the  castle  with 
belts  of  beautiful  trees,  the  admiration  of  numerous  visitors,  who 
resort  to  the  house  and  grounds  during  the  bathing  season  at 
Weymouth.  A  ticket  to  see  the  "Governor's  Castle"  has  to  be 
obtained  in  the  town,  distant  about  eight  miles.  The  magnifi- 
cent Government  breakwater,  now  in  the  course  of  construction 
by  convicts,  has  added,  it  is  supposed,  nothing  to  the  value  of 
the  castle  as  a  property  ;  but  since  1865  the  island  has  been 
entered  by  a  railroad,  intended  to  convey  the  Portland  stone  to 
London,  etc.  The  grounds  belonging  to  the  castle  are  situated 
on  this  valuable  stone  deposit,  on  the  very  apex  of  which  occur 
remarkable  remains  of  sea-fish,  often  taken  out  of  the  cleavage 
in  a  singular  state  of  perfection,  and  laid  aside  as  specimens  for 
museums:  when  a  good  one  is  found,  the  workmen  call  attention 
to  it,  and  receive  as  a  right  the  expected  fee. 

Some  of  the  customs  of  this  island,  but  now  fading  away 
under  the  influence  of  a  connection  by  bridges  with  the  main- 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXI 

land,  are  as  curious  and  singular  as  anything  related  of  the 
most  uneducated  populations. 

At  Portland,  John  Penn,  as  governor  of  the  island,  was  regu- 
larly and  officially  in  attendance  on  the  court  of  George  the 
Third  when  that  monarch  visited  his  favorite  watering-place, 
Weymouth,  adjoining  the  island.  A  likeness  of  John,  in  full 
court-dress,  hangs  among  the  family  portraits  in  the  picture- 
gallery  at  the  castle ;  and  there,  opposite  each  other,  are  very 
good  portraits  (copies)  of  William  Penn  and  James  Logan.  In 
another  picture,  John  is  seen  in  full  military  array,  sword  in 
hand,  at  the  head  of  the  Portland  troop  of  horse,  which  he  had 
organized  for  the  defence  of  the  English  coast  against  the 
expected  invasion  of  Napoleon. 

John  Penn  also  erected  the  modest  mansion  of  Solitude,  still 
standing  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Schuylkill,  opposite  Fairmount, 
and  now  within  the  limits  of  our  new  Park.  He  had  a  morbid 
dislike  of  intrusion  during  his  hours  of  study.  At  Solitude  there 
is  still  extant  the  underground  passage  between  the  detached 
kitchen  and  the  dining-room.  At  the  castle  a  still  more  elabo- 
rate arrangement  was  made  for  seclusion.  All  along  the  sea 
front  of  the  mansion  there  is  a  private  gallery,  or  hall,  leading 
from  the  very  beautiful  sunny  library  to  the  drawing  and  dining 
rooms  in  the  great  round  tower.  A  good  story  is  told  some- 
where, that  a  servant  at  Solitude  was  determined  to  know  how 
his  master  employed  his  time  in  those  hours  when  he  was  not 
visible:  he  stationed  himself  at  a  keyhole  one  day,  and  saw  his 
employer  lying  on  a  sofa,  delightedly  reading  a  volume  of  his 
own  poems !  His  translations  exhibit  considerable  literary 
acumen,  but  somehow  were  never  popular.  In  his  college  days, 
says  the  Gentleman's  Magazine  for  December,  1834,  John  Penn, 
in  virtue  of  his  maternal  ancestry,  was  received  as  a  nobleman 
at  Cambridge,  and  the  degree  of  M.  A.  was  conferred  on  him 
in  1779.     He  died  in  1834. 

Granville  Penn,  John's  younger  brother,  (who  died  at  Stoke 
in  1844,)  was  a  scholar,  a  writer  of  esteemed  books;  and  in 
fact  was  called  the  most  learned  layman  in  England.  He 
passed  his  entire  life  in  literary  pursuits  and  in  the  education  of 


XXU  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

his  children.^  He  inherited  Stoke  and  the  Pennsylvania  interests 
from  his  brother  John.  His  life  was  not  prolonged  beyond  a  few 
years  afterward,  when  Stoke,  together  with  other  property,  and 
nearly  all  the  small  remaining  proprietary  interests  here,  fell  by 
inheritance  to  his  oldest  son,  Granville  John. 

The  Penns  of  our  day,  as  we  have  seen,  engaged  in  pursuits 
foreign  to  their  interests  in  America,  were  naturally  desirous  to 
know  what  moneys  could  be  recovered  from  lands  still  their 
own.  Many  successive  agents  in  the  old  times,  good  and  bad, 
had  been  employed  to  nurse  or  to  sell  —  alas  !  to  part  with  — 
property  before  it  had  fully  ripened  for  the  market.  In  1845, 
Granville  John  was  induced  to  propose  a  visit  to  Pennsylvania. 
Wishing  to  know  more  than  his  father  had  known,  he  resolved 
to  see  for  himself  the  great  State  with  which  his  name  was  so 
honorably  and  intimately  connected.  The  "  heir,"  as  we  may 
safely  call  him,  visited  us  first  in  185 1,  and  subsequently  paid  us 
a  second  visit  of  some  length.  He  was  of  course  received  with 
the  respect  due  to  his  station :  the  gentlemen  of  Pennsylvania 
vied  with  each  other  to  do  him  honor;  he  was  the  recipient  of 
a  public  dinner ;  the  Mayor  and  Councils  of  Philadelphia  gave 

'The  following  is  a  list  of  the  works  of  Granville  Penn: 

Observations  in  Illustration  of  Virgil's  celebrated  Fourth  Eclogue. 
I  vol.,  Oct.,  London,  1810. 

A  Christian's  Survey  of  all  the  Primary  Events  and  Periods  of  the 
World.      I  vol.,  duo.,  London,  181 2. 

The  Prophecy  of  Ezekiel  concerning  Gogue,  the  last  Tyrant  of  the 
Church.      I  vol.,  duo.,  London,  1814. 

The  Bioscope,  or  Dial  of  Life  Explained.  i  vol.,  duo.  Two 
editions,  London,  1814. 

Institutes  of  Christian  Perfection  ;  or,  Macarius  the  Egyptian, 
called  the  Great.  Translated  from  the  Greek,  i  vol.,  duo.,  London, 
1816. 

An  Examination  of  the  Primary  Argument  of  the  Iliad.  i  vol., 
Oct.,  London,  1821. 

A  Comparative  Estimate  of  the  Mineral  and  Mosaical  Geologies. 
Two  editions.     2  vols.,  oct.,  London,  1825. 

Memorials  of  the  Professional  Life  and  Times  of  Sir  William 
Penn,  Knt.     2  vols.," oct.,  London,  1833. 

The  Book  of  the  New  Covenant  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.      I  vol.,  oct.,  London,  1836. 

Annotations  of  the  Book  of  the  New  Covenant,  i  vol.,  oct., 
London,  1837. 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXiU 

him  a  public  reception,  and  his  speeches  on  both  occasions  were 
remarkable  for  classical  taste  and  dignified  delivery.  These 
attentions  he  returned  by  a  very  elegant  collation  under  tents  at 
Solitude.  He  afterward  visited  many  parts  of  this  State,  and 
extended  his  tour  to  Washington,  Ohio,  etc.,  expressing  himself 
everywhere  delighted  with  our  scenery  and  people,  and  highly 
gratified  to  witness  so  much  that  was  beautiful,  and  such  great 
prosperity.  His  name  was  a  passport  to  many  kindnesses  and 
civilities,  which  were  evinced  by  railroad  facilities  and  public 
attentions.  The  circumstance  of  the  advent  of  the  head  of  the 
house  of  Penn  among  us,  after  so  long  an  estrangement,  was 
truly  admitted  to  be  of  great  interest.  A  similar  event  cannot 
be  hoped  for :  his  only  brother,  Thomas,  and  the  only  survivor 
of  the  name,  died  without  issue  September  9,  1869,  and  was 
interred  in  the  family  vault  at  Stoke.  We  therefore  of  this 
generation  have  seen  the  last  of  the  Founder's  descendants  of 
the  name  of  Penn,  unless,  indeed,  some  other  branch  should 
wisely  take  the  family  designation,  not  by  birth  its  own. 

Death  has  indeed  been  rife  in  the  circle  since  1845.  The 
family  at  Stoke  Park  then  consisted  of  the  widow  of  Granville 
Penn,  her  husband  then  very  recently  deceased,  a  very  old  lady; 
Granville  John  ;  three  unmarried  sisters ;  and  the  youngest 
brother,  William,  who  was  educated  for  the  Bar.  The  mother, 
the  three  daughters,  and  the  three  sons  are  now  all  deceased ; 
but  a  more  happy  and  united  family  than  they  formed  twenty- 
five  years  ago,  it  would  be  difficult  to  describe.  Their  surround- 
ings were  all  of  the  very  first  class,  as  regards  a  truly  noble 
residence  ;  an  extensive  and  perfectly-kept  park,  abounding  in 
deer  and  other  game  ;  a  library  of  great  size  and  value  ;  liveried 
servants,  fine  horses  and  coaches,  with  everything  that  could 
make  life  desirable.  The  picturesque  park,  that  had  seen  so 
many  successive  generations  come  and  go,  as  one  rambled 
among  its  beautiful  and  ancient  trees  was  as  silent  as  any  scene 
amid  our  own  native  forests.  The  servants  had  mowed  the  ex- 
tensive lawns  ;  the  hot-house  gardeners  had  set  out  the  Italian 
portico  with  newly-flowered  plants,  covering  the  pots  with 
lycopodiums  and  mosses,  and  the  attendants  had  all  disappeared 
before  breakfast  was  announced :   every  sound  was  stilled,  and 


XXIV  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

the  place  was  all  one's  own.  The  deer  silently  wandered 
among  the  ferns  half  as  tall  as  themselves;  the  librarian,  him- 
self a  learned  man  and  an  author  of  merit,  was  at  his  post  to 
hand  the  guests  any  book  they  required,  or  the  morning  edition 
of  the  London  Times.  Such  is  an  imperfect  glimpse  of  the  best 
English  life.  The  impression  was,  How  painful  to  leave  it  and 
to  die ! 

One  felt  assured,  on  passing  into  the  great  entrance-hall, 
beneath  a  funereal  hatchment  in  memory  of  the  late  proprietor, 
that  he  was  not  entering  a  house  of  consistent  Quakers,  for  one 
of  the  first  objects  was  a  pair  of  small  brass  cannon,  taken  by 
Admiral  Penn  in  his  Dutch  wars,  elegantly  mounted  and  pol- 
ished ;  and  near  by,  opening  on  the  left,  was  a  fine  billiard- 
room.  Family  prayers  were  not  neglected :  the  numerous 
servants  were  regularly  assembled,  as  is  a  usual  custom  in 
England :  the  service  of  the  day  was  reverently  read,  and  all, 
from  the  head  of  the  house  to  the  humblest  individual,  on  their 
knees  gave  thanks  for  mercies  received.  The  house  was  not 
wanting  in  memorials  of  Pennsylvania  —  a  large  portion  of  the 
Treaty  Tree,  sent  by  some  members  of  the  Historical  Society, 
with  a  silver  label  on  it,  ornamenting  the  grand  drawing-room 
of  the  second  story,  which  was  reached  by  a  superb,  long,  and 
rather  fatiguing  marble  staircase.  The  birds  of  Pennsylvania, 
too,  were  represented  in  elegant  glass  cases,  together  with 
Indian  relics,  and  a  finely  preserved  beaver,  which  animal  was 
once  the  annual  tribute  of  the  Penns  to  the  Crown. 

Stoke  was  purchased  in  1760  of  the  noble  family  of  Cobham 
by  Thomas  Penn,  son  of  the  Founder.  It  had  been  the  prop- 
erty of  Sir  Christopher  Hatton,  promoted  by  Queen  Elizabeth 
for  his  graceful  person  and  fine  dancing ;  of  Lord  Coke,  (Coke 
upon  Littleton  ;)  and  lastly  of  the  Cobham  family.  Below  the 
garrets,  and  at  the  extremity  of  one  wing  of  the  original  man- 
sion, had  been  a  state  bed-chamber,  which,  according  to  tradi- 
tion, was  once  occupied  by  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  where  she 
gave  an  audience.  The  ceiling  was  marked  in  several  places 
with  the  initials  E.  R.  and  a  crown. 

A  commanding  pillar  by  Wyatt,  with  a  life-size  figure  of  Sir 
Edward  Coke,  was  erected  by  the  late  John  Penn  not  far  from 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXV 

the  new  house.  The  old  manse  was  a  quaint  brick  structure,  as 
shown  by  a  view  from  the  pencil  of  the  celebrated  Mrs.  Oliver : 
it  is  now  mainly  demolished,  enough,  however,  being  left  to 
exhibit  its  character.  What  remains  has  been  converted  into 
the  residence  of  the  keeper  of  the  park,  with  two  apartments 
in  the  second  story  fitted  up  by  the  Penns,  as  pleasure-rooms  or 
resting-places,  and  furnished  with  portraits,  hangings,  and  other 
decorations  in  keeping  with  the  age  of  its  erection.  Space  has 
also  been  left  for  a  fine  racket-court  under  the  old  roof  and  walls. 
But  one  of  the  chief  interests  of  this  old  dwelling  lies  in  the 
fact  that  it  is  the  scene  of  Gray's  "  Long  Story."  The  church, 
not  far  from  the  mansion,  is  Gray's  church  — the  inspirer  of  his 
"  Elegy  in  a  Country  Churchyard."  This  exquisite  poet  and 
scholar  was  buried  in  the  churchyard  in  the  year  1771,  without 
any  kind  of  memorial  to  indicate  the  spot;  but  it  is  known  to 
be  near  the  grave  of  his  venerated  mother:  a  recent  rector  has 
placed  a  stone  under  the  window  overlooking  the  scene,  where 
the  inscription  by  Gray  is  in  substance  as  follows  : 

"  The  mother  of  many  children, 

One  only  of  whom  had  the  misfortune 

To  survive  her." 

But  in  1798  a  sarcophagus,  elevated  upon  a  pedestal,  after  an 
elegant  design  by  James  Wyatt,  and  with  appropriate  inscrip- 
tions, partly  from  Gray's  odes  and  Elegy,  was  erected  by  John 
Penn  upon  a  spot  commanding  the  points  of  view  connecting 
the  interesting  objects  there  particularized.  On  one  side  are  the 
following  eight  lines  of  the  Elegy,  supposed  to  represent  Gray 
himself: 

"  Hard  by  yon  wood,  now  smiling  as  in  scorn. 

Muttering  his  wayward  fancies,  he  would  rove ; 
Now  drooping,  woful,  wan,  like  one  forlorn, 

Or  crazed  with  care,  or  cross'd  in  hopeless  love. 

"  One  mom  I  miss'd  him  on  the  'customed  hill, 
Along  the  heath  and  near  his  fav'rite  tree : 
Another  came;  nor  yet  beside  the  rill. 

Nor  up  the  lawn,  nor  at  the  wood,  was  he." 

On  another  side  are  lettered  the  following  lines  from  the  "  Ode 
on  a  Distant  Prospect  of  Eton  College  " : 


XXVI  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

"  Where  once  my  careless  childhood  strayed, 

A  stranger  yet  to  pain  !  — 
I  feel  the  gales  that  from  ye  blow 
A  momentary  bliss  bestow, 
As,  waving  fresh  their  gladsome  wing, 

My  weary  soul  they  seem  to  soothe. 

And,  redolent  of  joy  and  youth. 
To  breathe  a  second  spring." 

John  Penn  and  other  members  of  his  family  have  shown,  as 
the  London  Times  remarks,  the  greatest  regard  for  the  memory 
of  Gray ;  in  fact,  have  identified  their  name  with  his. 

Gray's  house,  on  the  large  farm  belonging  to  the  estate,  was 
most  superbly  ornamented  by  the  celebrated  architect  Wyatt, 
who  converted  it  into  an  Elizabethan  mansion,  with  every  pos- 
sible accessary  of  ornament  and  beauty  —  fountains,  etc.  —  at 
the  expense  of  the  late  Mr.  G.  J.  Penn,  who  designed  occupying 
it  at  intervals  for  his  own  residence,  though  his  time  during 
the  latter  portion  of  his  life  was  mostly  passed  in  London,  in 
attendance  on  his  invalid  brother.  Some  years,  however,  were 
greatly  enjoyed  by  him  in  domestic  tranquillity  with  his  sisters  in 
a  desirable  house  in  Belgravia. 

Gray's  house  was  finally  sold  to  a  man  of  wealth.  In  1850, 
the  Government  was  in  treaty  for  Stoke  as  a  residence  for  the 
Prince  of  Wales,  the  negotiation  failing  only  because  it  was 
determined  the  Prince  should  live  nearer  to  or  in  London.  As 
an  evidence  of  the  value  of  these  places.  Stoke  was  sold  for 
three  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars ;  and,  if  I  am  correctly 
informed,  Gray's  house  and  the  large  farm  attached  produced 
an  equal  sum. 

The  library  of  Stoke  House  is  situated  behind  the  grand  col- 
onnade, and  is  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet  in  length  :  it  is  a 
noble  room,  and  was  nobly  filled  with  the  best  books  and  best 
editions ;  among  which  the  visitor  could  not  fail  to  remark  the 
original  manuscript  of  Gray's  Elegy,  which  consisted  of  only  a 
few  sheets,  with  many  alterations  on  them,  and  which  was  after- 
ward sold  for  twelve  hundred  dollars.  This  treasure  was  encased 
in  a  delicate,  velvet-covered  box,  clasped  and  ornamented  with 
gold.  Every  published  edition  of  Gray  was  here  enshrined  : 
the  first  has  the  modest  title-page,  "  Poems  by  Mr.  Gray." 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXVU 

The  whole  scene  is  surpassingly  lovely,  and,  being  within  an 
easy  walk  of  Windsor,  it  is  the  shrine  of  the  pilgrimage  of 
travellers  who  appreciate  true  genius  and  finished  poetical 
expression.  The  mansion  was  also  a  "  show  house  "  :  the  pic- 
ture by  West  of  the  Treaty  Tree  —  now  removed  to  Philadel- 
phia—  the  family  portraits  by  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds,  and  other 
treasures  of  art,  with  John  Penn's  tasteful  architecture,  land- 
scape gardening,  and  extensive  planting,  attracted  and  still 
attract  numerous  visitors.  In  short,  it  is  a  fitting  residence  for 
a  wealthy  nobleman.  Its  buildings  and  artistic  decorations 
absorbed  a  large  part  of  the  income  from  manors  reserved  in  this 
province. 

A  pleasant  neighborly  feeling  existed  between  the  royal 
family  and  the  Penns :  the  fox-hounds  of  Windsor  frequently 
were  allowed  to  course  through  Stoke*  Park ;  John  Penn  sent,  on 
one  occasion,  some  of  Pennsylvania's  favorite  canvas-back  ducks 
for  the  royal  table.  In  1864,  Heme's  Oak,  in  the  great  Wind- 
sor Park,  blew  down.  The  Queen  ordered  the  wood  to  be  care- 
fully preserved.  Mr.  Penn  requested  a  small  portion,  which 
was  cheerfully  granted.  A  copy  of  Campbell's  edition  of  Shak- 
speare,  complete  in  one  volume,  and  now  in  the  writer's  pos- 
session, is  one  of  two  copies  bound  with  the  relic,  and  the  only 
one  in  America. 

The  late  Granville  John  Penn,  born  November,  1803  —  whose 
gift  to  the  Historical  Society  of  the  original  belt  of  wampum 
will  be  remembered,  and  whose  accomplishments,  amiable  dis- 
position, and  refined  manners  endeared  him  to  all  who  knew 
him  —  was  educated  for  the  Chancery  Bar,  and  read  with  a 
learned  tutor  who  has  since  risen  to  great  eminence.  His 
scholarship  he  acquired  at  Christ  Church,  Oxford,  where  he 
took  his  degrees.  Dr.  Langley,  the  present  Archbishop  of  Can- 
terbury, was  his  and  his  surviving  brother's  tutor  there.  Under 
the  auspices  of  this  distinguished  prelate  he  had  intended  to 
reprint  the  "  New  Covenant"  —  a  translation  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment that  had  added  to  his  father's  well-earned  reputation,  and 
is  even  now  in  esteem  —  a  work  of  at  least  as  great  merit  as  the 
translation  by  our  own  Charles  Thomson,  the  "  perpetual  sec- 
retary "  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  "  the  man  of  truth." 


XXVlU  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

The  early  education  of  Granville  John,  and  of  his  brothers, 
Thomas  and  William,  was  conducted  by  their  father:  they  never 
had  gone  to  any  school  previous  to  their  entering  college. 
While  at  college  —  it  may  be  mentioned  in  passing  —  Mr.  Gran- 
ville John  Penn  acted  as  one  of  the  pages  at  the  gorgeous  coro- 
nation of  George  the  Fourth  —  a  position  much  sought  for  by 
young  men  of  family.  He  was  fond  of  relating  that,  on  this 
great  occasion,  the  young  pages,  unaccustomed  to  waiting  on 
others,  entirely  forgot  to  bring  in  the  hot  dishes ;  the  royal 
company  was  consequently  obliged  to  be  contented  with  the 
cold  collation  set  on  for  show  during  the  ceremony ;  after  which 
the  newly-fledged  servitors  had  the  satisfaction  of  consuming 
the  turtle  soups,  the  game,  and  other  delicacies  intended  for 
royalty. 

Granville  John  Penn  passed  most  of  his  early  years  at  his 
father's  house  in  Hertford  Street,  Mayfair,  with  Lord  and  Lady 
Cremorne,  or  at  Stoke  Park,  whither  the  family,  at  the  period 
of  the  Weymouth  season,  regularly  migrated  during  their  uncle 
John's  residence  at  the  Portland  castle. 

It  must  be  added  that  the  subject  of  my  too  brief  memoir,  the  late 
Granville  John  Penn,  was  rather  suddenly  stricken  down,  though 
there  were  evidences  for  some  time  of  a  breaking  up  of  his  con- 
stitution. He  died  March  29th,  1867,  with  a  will  unsigned  in 
his  hand — nobody  being  with  him  but  his  man-servant.  By 
this  omission  of  his  signature,  all  his  property  descended  to  his 
brother  Thomas,  a  gentleman  in  clerical  orders,  a  man  of  most 
extensive  reading  and  research,  but  subsequently  declared,  by  a 
commission  of  lunacy,  incapable  of  managing  his  estates,  which 
were  consequently  in  chancery,  and  since  his  death  have  gone 
to  William  Stuart,  Esq.,  his  nearest  kin.  The  following  notice 
of  his  death  appeared  in  the  London  Times  : 

"  Granville  John  Penn,  Esq. 

"Granville  John  Penn,  Esq.,  formerly  of  Stoke  Park,  Bucks,  who 
died  on  the  29th  ult.,  was  the  lineal  representative  of  Sir  William 
Penn,  admiral  of  the  fleet,  temp.  King  Charles  the  Second,  and  of  the 
admiral's  only  and  illustrious  son,  William  Penn,  the  Founder  of  Penn- 
sylvania; and  was  the  eldest  son  of  Granville  Penn,  Esq.,  of  Stoke 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXIX 

Park,  by  his  wife  Isabella,  eldest  daughter  of  General  Gordon  Forbes, 
colonel  Twenty-ninth   Foot ;    and  grandson  of  his  Excellency  Gov- 
ernor Thomas  Penn,  and  his  wife,  Lady  Julianna  Fermor,  daughter 
of  Thomas,  first  Earl  of  Pomfret.     Mr.  Granville  John  Penn  was  a 
deputy  lieutenant  and  magistrate  for  Bucks,  with  which  county  he  and 
his  distinguished  family  had  been  so  long  associated.     He  died  unmar- 
ried, and  is  succeeded  by  his  only  surviving  brother,  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Penn,  M.  A.,   of  Christ  Church,  Oxon.     O'f  the  four  sisters  of  Mr. 
Penn,  just  deceased,  three  died  unmarried  ;  and  the  eldest,  Sophia, 
died  the  first  wife  of  General  Sir  William  Gomm,  G.  C.  B.     Sir  Wil- 
liam married  a  second  time,  and  still  survives,  the  beloved  and  favorite 
commander  of  the  well-t^own  and   celebrated  Coldstream  Guards. 
At  the  age  of  eighty-nine  he  is  a  hale  old  gentleman,  fond  of  society, 
attending  all  the  court  ceremonies  and  concerts,  entertaining  royalty 
at  his  own  table,  and  taking  his  turn  at  the  grouse  during  the  shooting 
season.     He  was  with  Sir  John  Moore  at  Corunna  so  long  ago  as  1809, 
and  commanded,  before  the  last  outbreak,  the  army  of  the  interior  of 
India,  where  he  lived  in  great  state.     His  retinue  was  accompanied 
by  a  large  force  of  elephants,  and  with  the  train  of  an  Eastern  satrap 
he  made  an  annual  tour  of  inspection.     Mr.  G.  J.  Penn  had  repeated 
invitations  to  join  him  in  these  excursions,  and  to  bring  with  him,  as  a 
companion,  either  an  Englishman  or  an  American ;  but  these  oppor- 
timities  for  a  high  ride  on  a  howdah  were  reluctantly  declined.    Return- 
ing from  India,  he  purchased  the  late  John  Penn's  great  house  in  Lon- 
don, where  he  resides.     Sir  William  possesses  some  interests  in  Penn- 
sylvania, which  he  acquired,  however,  by  purchase.     He  is  childless. 
"  The  Penns  have  left  their  memory  lastingly  connected  with  their 
former  seat,  Stoke  Park,  and  its  neighborhood.     Stoke  Park,  since 
their  time  the  residence  of  Lord  Taunton,  and  now  in  the  possession 
of   Mr.    Coleman,   has   close   to   it  the    time-honored    and    beautiful 
churchyard    of    Gray's    Elegy,    where    Gray    himself   reposes,    with 
little  as  yet  to  notify  the  fact,  and  where  his  grave  might  be  passed 
unheeded  but  for  the  magnificent  cenotaph  erected  not  far  from  the 
churchyard  to  the  poet's  memory  by  the  worthy  John  Penn,  governor 
of  Portland  in  the  County  of    Dorset,  and  last  hereditary  governor 
of  Pennsylvania,  grandson  of  the  founder,  William  Penn,  and  uncle 
of  the  Mr.   Penn  just  deceased.     To  the   poet  the    Penns  thus  did 
honor,  whilst,  pursuant  to  the  stringency  of  Quaker  custom,  their  own 
great  William  Penn  lies  in  an  unmarked,  humble  grave  in  the  Quakers' 
burial-ground  of  Jordans,  a  few  miles  from  Stoke.     Yet,  as  stated, 
the  whole  district  is  replete  with  fecollections  of  the  Penns,  few  visitors 


XXX  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

failing  to  see  Jordans,  and  to  associate  the  Penn  name  with  Stoke 
Park  and  village,  and  the  monument  of  Gray." 

Mr.  Penn's  remains  were  solemnly  deposited  in  the  family- 
vault  in  the  church  situated  on  glebe  land  in  Stoke  Park  — 
"Gray's  Church"  —  to  which  the  Penns  had  long  been  the 
most  liberal  patrons,  a  fine  organ  having  been  one  of  Granville 
John's  last  munificent  gifts.  As  lord  of  the  manor,  the  family 
pew  occupied  the  entire  basement  beneath  the  steeple,  which 
pew,  unlike  anything  we  see  in  America,  was  a  large  room, 
with  a  fireplace  in  it,  comfortable  chairs  and  ottomans,  and  a 
curtain  drawn  at  pleasure  to  conceal  the  inmates.  The  great 
tomb  or  vault  of  the  Penns  i:s  situated  about  the  centre  of  the 
church,  and  to  gain  access  to  it  numerous  pews  have  to  be 
removed. 

I  have  proposed  to  trace  the  descendants  of  William  Penn  to 
the  present  generation,  and  there  are  several  reasons  why  I 
should  do  so.  In  a  transaction  so  large  as  the  settlement  of  this 
Commonwealth,  where  proprietary  interests  and  reservations  of 
interests  were  frequent,  there  is  no  saying  when  the  acquired 
rights  may  cease.  As  instances  of  those  rights,  two  illustrations 
will  suffice  :  Thomas  Penn,  son  of  the  Founder,  owned  the  site 
on  which  Easton,  Pennsylvania,  is  built,  and  gave  to  the  new 
town  two  squares  of  ground  to  erect  thereon  a  court-house  and 
a  prison.  In  the  deed  it  was  stipulated  that  a  red  ^.y^' was  to  be 
paid  at  Christmas  to  the  head  of  the  family  for  ever,  thus  reserv- 
ing a  consideration.  In  course  of  time,  the  city  fathers  of 
Easton  wished  to  remove  their  prison  and  court-house,  and  em- 
ploy the  ground  as  public  squares.  They  could  not  divert  the 
gift  from  its  original  purposes  without  consent  of  the  heir  of  the 
Founder:  he  happened  to  be  with  us,  say,  in  1852.  Application 
was  made  to  allow  the  change,  and  a  liberal  cheque,  "  to  save 
trouble,"  as  the  clerk  expressed  it,  was  sent,  and  I  believe  ac- 
cepted, for  granting  the  use  of  the  ground  to  a  new  purpose. 

Another  instance  may  be  mentioned.  In  all  the  manors  — 
and  they  were  quite  numerous  —  reservation  was  made  of  all  the 
minerals.  About  five  years  ago  a  zinc  company  was  formed  to 
work  certain  mineral  lands  in  Sinking  Valley,  Tyrone  County. 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXXI 

On  examining  their  deeds  it  was  found  that  the  minerals  were 
reserved,  and  some  eight  dollars  an  acre  had  to  be  paid  to  the 
agent  of  the  Penns  to  extinguish  the  royalty. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  Admiral  Penn  declined  one  of  the 
highest  titles  in  the  gift  of  the  Crown  because  his  son,  having 
turned  Quaker,  would  never  wear  it.  He  did  not  foresee  that 
his  descendants  would  return  to  the  communion  of  the  Church 
of  England. 

The  Founder  of  Pennsylvania  married,  as  already  stated,  first, 
Gulielma  Maria  Springett,  daughter  of  Sir  William  Springett, 
formerly  of  Darling  in  Sussex,  who  was  killed  in  the  civil 
wars  at  the  siege  of  Barnber,  and,  secondly,  Hannah,  the  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  Callowhill ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  note  how  many 
titles  are  still  in  possession  of  his  present  or  late  descendants. 

Thomas,  son  of  the  Founder,  married,  at  the  age  of  fifty, 
Lady  Julianna  Fermor,  daughter  of  the  Earl  of  Pomfret  and 
Lempster.  Her  father's  titles  became  extinct  in  1867  by  the 
decease  of  the  Earl  of  Pomfret,  who  died  unmarried  at  his  Lon- 
don residence  in  St.  James'  Place,  in  his  forty-third  year.  Mr. 
G.  J.  Penn  had  been  his  guardian,  as  well  as  of  his  younger 
brother,  also  now  deceased.  Lord  Pomfret  received  his  degrees 
in  L845,  and  soon  after  took  his  seat  in  the  House  of  Lords. 
His  appearance  was  distinguished  :  tall  and  handsome,  in  his 
Oxford  dress  he  looked  the  young  nobleman.  I  find  the  follow- 
ing in  the  London  Times :  as  it  is  brief  and  to  our  purpose, 
enumerating  sundry  near  relatives,  etc.,  it  is  here  inserted : 

"Wills  and  Bequests.  —  Probate  of  the  will  of  the  Right  Hon. 
George  William  Richard  Fermor,  Earl  of  Pomfret,  late  of  Easton 
Neston,  Northamptonshire,  was  granted  by  Her  Majesty's  Court  of 
Probate,  on  the  5th  of  August,  to  his  lordship's  brothers-in-law,  Sir 
Thomas  George  Hesketh  and  Colonel  Thomas  Wedderburn  Ogilvy, 
(Life  Guards,)  and  his  (the  testator's)  cousin,  Sir  George  William 
Denys,  of  Draycott  Hall,  Yorkshire,  the  executors.  The  personality 
was  sworn  under  twenty  thousand  pounds.  His  lordship's  will  bears 
date  the  13th  of  February,  1867,  and  he  died  on  the  8th  of  June,  in 
St.  James'  Place,  at  the  age  of  forty-three,  a  bachelor.  The  title 
becomes  extinct.  He  has  appointed  and  devised  all  his  estates 
in    Cumberland,   subject   to   conditions   of   indenture    of    185 1    and 


XXXll  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

Otherwise,  to  his  cousin,  Sir  George  William  Denys  ;  and  devises  all 
his  other  freehold  estates,  over  which  he  had  a  power  of  disposal,  to 
such  uses  as  are  contained  in  the  settlement,  and  to  be  held  in  like 
manner;  and  leaves  all  his  pictures,  furniture,  and  plate  to  be  held  with 
the  settled  estates  in  the  County  of  Northampton.  He  bequeathes 
the  residue  of  his  personal  property  to  his  two  sisters.  Lady  Anna 
Maria  Arabella,  wife  of  Sir  Thomas  G.  Hasketh,  M.  P.,  of  Rufford 
Hall,  Leicestershire,  and  Lady  Henrietta  Louisa,  wife  of  Colonel 
Thomas  W.  Ogilvy,  in  equal  proportions." 

Pomfret  Castle  and  the  principal  estates  are  in  Northampton- 
shire. 

Lady  Julianna  is  always  mentioned  in  the  family  with  the 
greatest  respect  and  regard.  An  engraving  of  Sir  Joshua 
Reynolds's  portrait  of  herself,  surrounded  by  her  young  family, 
is  a  fine  work  of  art  and  very  rare. 

While  thus  dwelling  on  the  Penn  familj',  it  is  interesting  to 
remember  that  not  only  is  the  name  of  the  Founder  afifixed  to 
many  places  in  our  State,  as  well  as  elsewhere,  but  the  names 
of  his  relations,  such  as  Callowhill  and  Letitia,  also  occur  as 
household  words,  and  are  to  be  found  on  our  street  corners.  In 
Easton,  streets  are  still  called  Julianna,  Fermor,  and  Pomfret. 
Lancaster  boasts  of  a  Julianna  Library,  which,  I  am  afraid,  is 
composed  mostly  of  musty  volumes. 

William  Penn's  granddaughter,  Margaret,  married  Thomas 
Freame :  their  daughter,  Philadelphia  Hannah,  born  in  Phila- 
delphia, married  Viscount  Cremorne,  of  Dawson  Grove,  Ireland, 
and  thus  became  Lady  Cremorne.  They  owned  and  resided  on 
a  beautiful  spot  in  London,  on  the  Thames,  which  has  been  sold, 
and  is  known  as  Cremorne  Gardens,  a  place  long  of  fashionable 
resort.  The  title  is  still  in  existence,  and  the  present  head  of  the 
family  has  lately  been  created  Earl  Dartrcy,  his  eldest  son  bear- 
ing the  title  of  Lord  Cremorne.  Earl  Dartrey  is  a  nobleman  of 
large  income,  and  is  an  Irish  peer :  the  family  name  is  Dawson, 
lie  is  in  high  favor,  and  at  this  time  one  of  the  lords  of  the 
court,  and  is  constantly  attendant  upon  the  Queen. 

There  was  a  lovely  portrait  of  Philadelphia  Hannah  Penn, 
Lady  Cremorne,  in  the  great  north  room  of  Stoke,  painted  by 
Sir  Joshua;  and  one  of  the  last  acts  of  the  late  Mr.  Penn  was 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXXlii 

the  presentation  of  this  portrait,  and  that  of  her  husband,  to 
Earl  Dartrey.  Lady  Crcmorne  died  so  lately  as  1826,  at  the  age 
of  eighty-six.  Some  of  the  Cremorlie  furniture  and  china  and 
plate  was  at  Pennsylvania  Castle  in  1865. 

William  Penn's  son,  Thomas,  had  a  daughter,  Sophia  Marga- 
ret, who  married,  May  3,  1796,  Archbishop  Stuart  of  Armagh, 
a  lineal  descendant  of  the  royal  family  of  Stuart,  and  Lord  Pri- 
mate of  all  Ireland.  Very  singularly,  the  archbishop,  when  ill 
with  the  gout  and  in  great  suffering,  called  for  his  opiate,  pre- 
scribed to  allay  pain,  when  Mrs.  Stuart,  in  her  anxiety,  admin- 
istered the  embrocation,  which,  being  a  poison,  caused  his  death. 
It  is  said  that  on  discovering  her  fatal  mistake,  she  rushed  into 
the  street  in  her  night-dress,  and  her  hair  turned  white  with  the 
horror  of  her  incautious  act :  certain  it  is  that  she  never  recov- 
ered her  equanimity. 

The  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Stuart  died  in  1822.  His  remains  were 
deposited  in  the  family  vault  at  Sutton,  where,  on  one  of  the 
walls  of  the  old  church,  is  a  marble  tablet,  bearing  the  following 
interesting  inscription : 

*'  In  the  same  vault  with 

The  Honorable  William  Stuart,  D.  D., 

Primate  of  all  Ireland, 

Are  deposited  the  remains  of  his  Widow, 

The  Honorable  Sophia  Margaret, 

The  last  surviving  granddaughter  of 

William  Penn, 

The  celebrated  Founder  of  Pennsylvania. 

Born  25th  of  December,  1764. 

Died  29th  of  April,  1847. 

Also  Louisa,  their  youngest  daughter, 

\Vho  departed  this  life  20th  of  December,  1823, 

Aged  22  years." 

Their  eldest  son,  William,  married  Henrietta,  daughter  of  Ad- 
min-al  Sir  C.  Pole,  who,  by  the  decease  of  his  near  relatives,  is 
now  the  head  of  the  house  of  Penn. 

Their  daughter,  Mary  Julianna,  married  Thomas,  Viscount 
Northland,  Eafl  Ranfurly,  the  eldest  son  retaining  the  title  of 
Northland.  The  title  of  Ranfurly  is  now  held  by  an  infant,  the 
fourth  earl.    The  family  name  is  Knox.    The  Hon.  Stuart  Knox, 

VOL.   I.  —  C 


XXXIV  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

son  of  a  former  earl,  now  represents  what  is  called  a  pocket 
borough,  Dungannon,  in  Parliament. 

I  find  the  following  brief  notice  in  the  London  Illustrated  News, 
of  July,  1866.  It  serves  to  continue  our  story,  and  is  therefore 
inserted  entire  : 

"The  Countess  Dowager  of  Ranfurly. 

"The  Right  Hon.  Mary  Julianna,  Countess  Dowager  of  Ranfurly, 
who  died  on  July  10,  1866,  at  her  town-house,  10  Gloucester  Place, 
Portman  Square,  was  the  eldest  daughter  of  the  late  Honorable  and 
Most  Rev.  William  Stuart,  Lord  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  by  his  wife, 
Sophia  Margaret  Julianna,  daughter  of  Thomas  Penn,  Esq.,  and  his 
wife,  Lady  Julianna  Penn,  of  Stoke  Park,  Stoke  Pogis,  Bucks,  and  was 
the  granddaughter  of  King  George  the  Third's  celebrated  prime  min- 
ister, John,  third  Earl  of  Bute,  K.  G.,  and  was  the  sister  of  the  present 
William  Stuart,  Esq.,  of  Aldenham  Abbey,  Herts.  Her  ladyship 
was  born  April  3,  1797,  and  was  married,  February  8,  1815,  to 
Thomas,  second  Earl  of  Ranfurly,  who  died  April  26,  1840.  By  this 
union  her  ladyship  had  issue  —  Thomas,  third  Earl  of  Ranfurly,  and 
two  other  sons,  one  of  whom  survives ;  and  seven  daughters,  of  whom 
six  survive  and  four  are  married  —  viz.,  Lady  Mary  Stuart  Page  Read, 
of  Sutton  House,  Suffolk  ;  Lady  Louisa  Julianna  Alexander,  of  Fork- 
hill  House,  in  the  County  of  Armagh;  Lady  Julianna  Caroline  Walker; 
and  Lady  Adela  Henrietta  Goff,  of  Hale  Park,  Hants.  The  Lady 
Ranfurly  just  deceased  was  grandmother  of  Thomas  Granville  Henry 
Stuart,  fourth  and  present  Earl  of  Ranfurly." 

The  now  minor  Earl  of  Ranfurly,  Thomas  Granville  Henry 
Stuart,  is  said  to  inherit  a  large  rent-roll  from  estates  in  the 
North  of  Ireland,  which  will   accumulate  during  his  minority. 

William  Stuart,  Esq.,  a  son  of  the  Most  Rev.  William  Stuart, 
and  now  the  representative  of  the  Penn  family,  is  a  gentleman 
of  education  and  fortune.  He  lives  in  hospitable  style,  and  has 
a  noble  library,  in  the  centre  of  which,  on  a  pedestal  and  gor- 
geous cushion,  and  covered  with  a  glass  urn  reversed,  is  pre- 
served the  gold  medal  and  long  chain  presented  to  Admiral 
Penn  by  Parliament.  Its  fellow,  a  like  gift  to  Admiral  Blake, 
was  considered  by  the  heirs  of  Blake  intrinsically  too  valuable 
to  retain,  and  was  melted.     Thus  the  Penn  medal  is  unique. 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXXV 

Our  own  Pennsylvania  family  of  descendants  of  the  Founder, 
the  Gaskills  and  Halls,  etc.,  are  also  the  heirs  of  the  honor  of 
the  lineage.  They  are  descended  from  William  Penn's  oldest 
son,  William,  who  married  Mary  Jones,  and  died  in  France. 
They  are  our  highly  esteemed  fellow-citizens  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  possess  the  Irish  estate. 

William  Penn's  son,  William,  married  Mary  Jones,  as  above 
stated.  Their  son,  William,  married,  first,  Christiana  Forbes ; 
second,  Ann  Vaux.  This  third  William's  daughter  by  his  first 
wife,  Christiana  Gulielma,  married  Peter  Gaskill.  Their  chil- 
dren were  Jane,  Thomas  Penn,  Alexander  Forbes,  Peter  Penn, 
and  William  Penn  Gaskill.  Peter  Penn  Gaskill  rrtarried  Eliza- 
beth Edwards,  of  Montgomery  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  left 
numerous  issue,  viz. :  William  Penn ;  Thomas  Penn,  married  to 
Mary  McGlenachen ;  Eliza  Penn ;  Alexander  Forbes ;  Peter 
Penn,  married  to  Louisa  Heath  ;  Jane  Penn  ;  Isaac  Penn;  Chris- 
tiana Gulielma,  married  to  William  Hall. 

From  Peter  Penn  Gaskill  and  Louisa  Heath  descended  Eliza- 
beth Penn ;  Louisa,  married  to  William  Gerald  Fitzgerald ; 
Mary  Gulielma  Penn,  Gulielma  Penn,  Hetty  Penn,  Mary  Penn, 
William  Penn,  Jane  Penn,  Emily  Penn,  and  Peter  Penn. 

Christiana  Gulielma  Gaskill,  who  married  William  Hall,  left 
descendants,  viz. :  William  Hall  and  Peter  Hall. 

There  are  other  descendants  of  the  Founder  whom  this  imper- 
fect sketch  should  note.  To  save  confusion,  I  have  traced  the 
family  of  Thomas  first.  Richard,  his  brother,  (son  of  the  Found- 
er,) was  joint  proprietor  with  Thomas.  He  married  Hannah 
Lardner,  daughter  of  Richard  Lardner,  M.  D.  Lynford  Lard- 
ner,  brother  to  Hannah  (Lardner)  Penn,  came  to  this  country, 
and  was  much  esteemed  and  trusted  by  the  proprietaries :  he 
was  appointed  receiver-general  and  keeper  of  the  great  seal. 
He  was  a  gentleman  in  all  the  senses  of  that  comprehensive 
word,  and  has  left  a  family  still  high  in  the  esteem  of  their 
fellow-citizens.  They  possess  some  valuable  portraits  of  the 
Penns,  sent  them,  with  every  token  of  esteem  and  regard,  by 
Richard  Penn.  May  we  hope  that  these,  now  in  the  family  of 
Richard  Penn  Lardner,  Esq.,  will  be  carefully  preserved?  The 
children  of  Richard  Penn  by  Hannah  Lardner  were  John  Penn, 


XXXVl  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

governor  of  Pennsylvania  from  1763  to  the  Revolution,  who 
married  Anne  Allen,  and  died  in  Pennsylvania,  but  was  buried 
in  England,  who  also  built  Lansdowne,  on  the  Schuylkill ;  Rich- 
ard Penn,  who  married  Mary  Masters,  and  visited  us  in  1808; 
and  Hannah,  who  married  James  Clayton. 

Richard  Penn  and  Mary  Masters  had  issue  —  William,  Rich- 
ard, Hannah  and  Mary :  the  latter  married  Samuel  Paynter. 
William  visited  Pennsylvania  with  his  father  in  1808,  and 
remained  here  some  years.  His  character  was  not  an  estimable 
one :  he  married  here  disreputably,  and  dying  not  long  after, 
he  left  his  widow  but  ill  provided  for:  she  went  to  Paris,  where 
she  was  seen  not  many  years  since,  still  carrying  the  external 
marks  of  beauty. 

Richard  and  Hannah  never  married,  and  survived  to  within 
a  few  years.  They  settled  at  Richmond,  Hill,  on  the  Thames, 
and,  finding  their  incomes  insufficient  for  their  style  of  life, 
Hannah  came  to  Philadelphia,  and  sold  their  properties  in  this 
city  at  their  then  low  values,  and  with  the  proceeds  purchased 
a  joint  annuity.  Richard,  who  was  a  genial,  kind-hearted  man, 
and  the  author  of  a  little  treatise  on  angling,  devised  his  remain- 
ing proprietary  interests  to  his  intimate  friend  Sir  Peter  Smith, 
who  now  comes  in  for  a  share  of  the  dilapidated  fortune  which, 
by  the  exercise  of  reasonable  prudence  and  management,  might 
have  made  its  possessor  one  of  the  richest  men  of  this  rich 
age. 

The  last-named  Richard  undertook,  at  one  time,  to  examine 
the  papers  of  William  Penn,  to  which  no  biographer  of  our 
Founder  has  yet  had  full  access  —  a  fact  to  be  deeply  deplored. 
For  his  purpose,  a  room  at  Stoke  was  prepared,  and  the  libra- 
rian summoned,  when  huge  trunks  and  drawers  were  placed  at 
his  disposal.  The  task  proved  too  onerous,  and  was  soon  given 
up  in  despair.  The  next  destination  of  these  documents  was 
a  fireproof  room  of  the  Pantechnicon,  in  London,  where  they 
remained  till  1864,  together  with  the  family  and  other  pictures, 
plate,  and  reserved  valuables.  In  that  year  a  portion  of  the 
letters  and  papers  was  transported  to  Pennsylvania  Castle. 
There  I  saw  some  of  them,  particularly  English  letters  to  Penn 
from  well-known   celebrities;    but   nothing  had  been   opened 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXXVll 

relating  to  Pennsylvania.  It  is  for  many  reasons  to  be  hoped 
the  family  will  show  mercy  to  these  long  locked-up  documents, 
and  give  them  to  the  world  under  suitable  auspices. 

The  little  less  than  malicious  charges  of  Lord  Macaulay 
against  William  Penn,  lately  repeated  (and  distorted)  by  Victor 
Hugo,  have  been  ably  and  successfully  refuted ;  but  it  is  well 
to  say  here  that  the  late  Granville  John  Penn  found  the  most 
ample  proofs  of  their  falsity.  He  had  collated  from  a  number 
of  family  letters  and  papers  sufficient  to  convince  the  world 
that  the  would-be  historian's  assertions  were  untrue  accusations. 
Mr.  Penn,  unfortunately,  did  not  live  to  make  them  public. 

For  any  further  information  regarding  the  family  of  Penn,  I 
refer  to  a  sheet  entitled  "William  Penn,  Proprietary  of  Penn- 
sylvania, his  Ancestors  and  Descendants.  1852.  By  Thomas 
Gilpin" — a  painstaking  and  accurate  genealogist  and  gentle- 
man —  from  which  may  be  gleaned  many  names  and  marriages 
here  omitted. 

The  fragmentary  particulars  I  have  prepared  will  have  exhib- 
ited, by  inference,  the  career  of  some  of  the  more  prominent 
members  of  the  family,  who,  though  most  respectably  and  hon- 
orably employed,  abandoned  to  agents  one  of  the  finest  inherit- 
ances on  earth  —  a  province  situated  on  the  isothermal  line 
most  conducive  to  the  healthy  growth  and  happiness  of  man  ; 
where  fogs  do  not  hide  the  light  of  heaven,  nor  hurricanes 
destroy  whole  cities  at  one  fell  blast ;  where  the  climate  is  not 
so  cold  in  winter  as  to  destroy  the  animals  on  which  man  depends 
for  labor  and  food,  as  is  sometimes  the  case  farther  northward, 
nor  insupportably  warm  in  the  summer  solstice,  as  in  the  coun- 
try and  islands  south  of  us ;  a  province  where  grow  the  best 
fruits,  cereals,  and  grass,  and  vegetables,  in  the  utmost  per- 
fection and  luxuriance ;  where  iron  and  coal  are  in  such  abun- 
dance that  no  man  has  yet  dared  to  calculate  the  date  of  their 
exhaustion ;  where  perfect  freedom  as  regards  religious  tenets 

—  thanks  to  the  Founder  —  exists,  and  where  we  might  all  be 
as  happy  as  it  is  possible  to  be  on  this  planet  —  if  we  could  only 
get  rid  of  the  politicians.  In  short,  we  have  the  best  climate  in 
the  world,  producing,  by  the  simple  labors  of  the  freeman,  and 

—  thanks  to  our  own  inventions,  with  lightened  toil  —  nearly  all 


xxxviii  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

needed  luxuries.  All  this  fair  land  and  its  abundance  —  of  which 
even  the  tenths  reserved  at  the  Revolution  were  a  princely 
estate  —  were  left  for  the  ease  and  honors  of  the  Old  World  — 
it  is  not  mere  hyperbole  to  say  abandoned  for  less  noble  objects 
of  ambition.  Agents  and  sub-agents,  at  a  heavy  cost,  were 
employed ;  proprietary  governors  were  salaried  and  supported ; 
the  moneys  received  were  almost  always  spent  in  advance ;  and 
a  commission  and  interest  were  charged  by  London  bankers, 
who  kept  an  open  account  with  the  heirs  as  long  as  there  was 
anything  to  authorize  it.  It  sometimes  seems  to  me  that  every 
stone  composing  the  walls  of  Pennsylvania  Castle  cost  a  city 
lot;  that  every  pane  of  glass  in  Stoke  mansion  alienated  a 
ground  rent;  while  every  grand  entertainment  in  the  London 
house  may  safely  be  said  to  have  taken  a  farm. 

An  American  was  asked,  in  London,  not  many  years  ago,  by 
a  person  in  good  society,  and  who  ought  to  have  known  better, 
if  Philadelphia  was  near  Pennsylvania.  It  is  true  that  many 
of  our  transatlantic  cousins  know  little  of  us;  for  this  igno- 
rance, however,  we  can  forgive  them,  for  we  know  little  of 
many  points,  geographical  and  other,  relating  to  them ;  but  we 
could  not  forgive  ourselves,  and  posterity  would  not  forgive  us, 
if  we,  who  have  been  their  contemporaries,  allowed  the  inherit- 
ors of  our  Founder's  name  to  be  left  without  trace  or  memento. 
As  a  matter  of  taste  and  feeling  we  should  make  the  record : 
if  it  is  a  duty,  it  is  surely  a  matter  of  interest  historically,  to 
know  the  fate  of  the  descendants  of  a  great  and  good  man. 
Such  is  the  pleasing  task  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsyl- 
vania when  it  commemorates  the  good  deeds  of  Penn  —  deeds 
which  have  resulted  in  such  great  and  permanent  good.  He 
sowed  in  sorrow  —  we  are  reaping  the  ripened  fruit.  We  should 
rejoice  to  keep  bright  the  chain,  and  record,  as  time  passes 
rapidly  away,  the  story  of  his  posterity. 

The  exact  story  of  William  Penn's  connection  with  his  father 
the  admiral,  has  been  sometimes  a  little  distorted.  It  is  well, 
therefore,  to  copy  here  what  his  grandson  says,  in  his  "  Life  of 
Sir  William  Penn."  It  is  evidently  intended  to  be,  and  probably 
is,  entirely  correct: 


THE    PENN    FAMILY.  XXXIX 

"His  father's  health,  which  had  been  declining  rapidly  throughout 
the  summer,  was  now  on  the  point  of  failing  him  altogether.  His  dis- 
appointment, and  the  various  conflicting  feelings  put  in  action  by  his 
son's  imprisonment  and  persecution,  could  not  but  tend  to  hasten  its 
decay.  Though  he  was  deeply  grieved  at  the  course  which  his  son  had 
chosen  to  pursue,  he  was  sensible  of  his  excellence,  admired  his  quali- 
ties, and  was  indignant  at  his  persecutors.  In  the  few  days  that  he 
survived  after  his  son's  liberation  he  had  the  comfort  of  receiving,  both 
from  the  King  and  Duke  of  York,  the  most  gracious  and  kind  assur- 
ances of  their  regard,  and  their  promise  of  continuing  the  same  to  his 
son  ;  a  promise,  which  both  these  princes  religiously  observed.  At 
length,  on  the  i6th  of  the  same  month  of  September,  he  sunk  under 
his  infirmities ;  and  expired,  worn  out  by  his  public  services,  at  the  age 
of  forty-nine  years  and  five  months."  — Life  of  Sir  William  Penn,  by 
Granville  Penn. 

"It  had  been  the  King's  intention  to  raise  Sir  William  Penn  to  a 
higher  honor,  by  the  title  of  the  borough  which  he  represented  in  Par- 
liament ;  but,  his  son  having  embraced  the  persuasion  of  the  Society 
of  Quakers,  and  having,  in  1668,  in  his  work  entitled,  *  No  Cross,  no 
Crown,'  published  an  express  and  vehement  disclaimer  of  all  titles 
of  honor,  through  the  religious  principles  of  his  new  persuasion,  that 
stream  of  royal  favor  was  stemmed.  In  that  work  he  largely  assigns 
*  the  reasons  why  he,  and  the  people  with  whom  he  walks  in  religion, 
decline  giving  gaudy  titles,  and  refuse  the  present  use  of  these  customs ; 
and  cannot  esteem  titles  such  as  these,  most  excellent,  most  sacred, 
your  grace,  your  lordship,  etc.,  being  prohibited  by  God,  his  Son,  and 
servants  in  days  past.'  To  this  point  he  alludes,  in  a  letter  written 
some  years  after,  (the  5th  of  the  loth  month,  1682),  from  the  new  town 
of  Chester,  in  his  infant  province  of  Pennsylvania :  '  It  is  more  than 
a  worldly  title  or  patent  ihdX  hath  clothed  me  in  this  place:  nor  am  I 
sitting  down  in  a.  greatness  that  I  have  denied.  Had  I  sought  greatness, 
I  had  stayed  at  home ;  where  the  difference  between  what  I  am  here, 
and  was  offered  and  could  have  had  there,  is  as  wide  as  the  places 
are. '  "  —  Ibid. 

Note.  —  Works,  Life,  fol.,  vol.  i,  p.  124;  8vo.,  vol.  I.,  p,86;  Clarkson's  Life  of 
William  Penn,  vol.  I,  pp.  351-352.  Mr.  Clarkson,  not  being  aware  of  the  allusion 
in  the  first  sentence,  has  omitted  it  in  his  extract  from  this  letter.  During  the  years 
1768-70,  when  Viscount  Weymouth  was  secretary  of  state  for  the  plantations,  the 
late  Mr.  Thomas  Penn,  last  surviving  son  of  the  Quaker,  (my  father,)  often  observed 
in  his  family,  that,  in  transacting  the  business  of  his  province  with  that  noble  lord,  he 
could  rarely  avoid  the  reflection  that,  if  his  father  had  not  been  a  Quaker,  he  should 


xl  THE    PENN    FAMILY. 

have  borne  the  title  then  borne  by  the  noble  secretary.  It  is  certain  that  the  title  of 
Weymouth  did  not  issue  from  the  Crown  until  after  the  execution  of  the  grant  of  the 
province  of  Pennsylvania,  as  its  equivalent,  in  1680;  which  province  was  erected  by 
its  charter,  into  a  seignory,  and  the  grant  made  to  rest  on  the  same  ground  on  which 
the  title  would  have  stood;  viz. :  "  The  merits  of  Sir  William  Penn  in  divers  services, 
etc."  —  Life  of  Sir  William  Fenn,  by  Granville  Penn. 


Extract  from  Sir  William  Penn's  Will. 

"  I  do  also  will  and  devise  unto  my  eldest  son,  William  Penn,  my 
gold  chain  and  medal,  with  the  rest  and  residue  of  all  my  plate,  house- 
hold stuff,  etc.,  not  herein  before  devised,  etc.  And  I  do  hereby  con- 
stitute and  declare,  nominate,  and  appoint  my  said  son  William  sole 
executor  of  this  my  last  will  and  testament,"  etc. 

Note.  —  His  gold  chain  and  medal  remain  with  his  family.  An  engraving  of  the 
medal  is  given  in  Virtue's  Collection  of  the  Works  of  Simon,  the  eminent  artist  who 
executed  it,  facing  page  27.  A  correct  engraving  of  the  same  is  also  published,  as  a 
frontispiece,  in  one  of  the  volumes  of  Chamock's  Biographia  Navalis.  —  Life  of  Sir 
William  Penn. 


Here  lieth  the  body  of 

Honourable  John  Penn,  Esq., 

One  of  the  late  Proprietaries  of 

Pennsylvania. 

WTio  died  February  9th,  A.  D.  1795, 

Aged  67  years. 

[The  above  inscription  is  upon  a  slab  in  the  aisle  in  front  of  the  chancel,  19  feet 

from  the  south  wall,  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia.] 


The  house  occupied  by  General  Washington,  on  Market  below  Sixth 
Street,  Philadelphia,  was  the  property  of  William  Masters,  and  the 
inheritance  of  Mrs.  Penn  and  Mrs.  Camac,  and  they  lived  there  for 
some  time.  It  was  afterwards  sold  to  Robert  Morris,  and  rented  for 
the  President. 

Ann  Allen,  who  married  Richard  Penn,  (sup.  xxxvi.,)  was  the 
daughter  of  Chief-Justice  Allen,  and  granddaughter  of  Andrew  Hamil- 
ton. Chief- Justice  Allen  bought  the  house  on  the  west  side  of  Third, 
between  Willing's  Alley  and  Spruce  Street,  which  had  been  built  by 
Colonel  Byrd,  of  Westover,  Va.  The  house  was  afterwards  the  prop- 
erty and  residence  of  Chief- Justice  Chew. 


MRS.  DEBORAH  LOGAN. 


[The  Editor  is  indebted  for  this  interesting  sketch  to  Mr.  Isaac  NoRRls,  by  whom 

it  was  written.] 

THIS  accomplished  and  highly  gifted  lady  was  born  of 
Quaker  parents,  and  educated  as  a  Friend ;  and,  although 
consistent  in  her  profession,  she  was  willing  to  concede  to 
others  that  right  of  judgment  she  claimed  for  herself  She 
was  the  only  daughter  of  Charles  Norris,  and  was  born  October 
19th,  1761,  in  the  old  Norris  House,  that  occupied  the  site  of 
the  present  Custom  House,  on  Chestnut  Street.  Her  ancestry 
embraced  some  of  the  leading  and  distinguished  men  of  the 
province.  Isaac  Norris  the  elder  was  her  grandfather,  and  Gov- 
ernor Lloyd  her  great-grandfather,  in  the  paternal  line,  and 
Joseph  Parker  of  Chester,  and  John  Ladd  of  New  Jersey,  in 
the  maternal  line.^ 

'  [The  following  account  of  Mrs.  Deborah  Logan's  paternal  ancestry 
was  prepared,  by  her  daughter,  the  late  Mrs.  Maria  Logan,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  late  Mr.  J.  R.  Tyson,  from  memoranda  left  by  her  mother. 
The  first  Isaac  Norris  therein  mentioned  was  the  correspondent  of  James 
Logan,  many  of  whose  letters  will  be  found  in  this  volume.  — Editor.] 

"  'My  grandfather,  Mr.  Isaac  Norris,  senior,'  says  my  mother,  Mrs. 
Deborah  Logan,  in  the  account  of  her  family,  'was  born  July  26th,  1671, 
in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  Great  Britain;  but  removed  with  his  parents,  when 
young,  to  Jamaica,  where  his  mother  died,  June  3d,  1685.  His  father, 
Thomas  Norris,  being  dissatisfied  with  the  West  Indies,  sent  his  son  to 
Pennsylvania,  in  1690,  in  order,  if  he  should  approve  of  the  country, 
to  make  a  settlement  for  the  family ;  but  on  his  return  to  Jamaica,  in 
1692,  to  bring  them  over,  he  had  the  affliction  to  find  that  his  father 
and  most  of  the  family  had  perished  in  the  dreadful  earthquake  which 
destroyed  Port  Royal,  June  7th,  1692,  the  vessel,  he  was  in,  sailing  over 
the  place  where  his  father's  house  had  stood.  He  then  collected  the 
remains  of  his  property,  which  amounted  to  but  little  more  than  an 
hundred  pounds  sterling,  and  came  back  to  Pennsylvania,  wliere  it 
pleased  Divine  Providence  to  bless  him  in  an  extraordinary  manner : 

xli 


xHi  MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN. 

At  the  period  when  she  reached  maturity  of  life,  Philadelphia, 
the  chief  city  of  the  country,  was,  and  long  continued  to  be,  the 

he  grew  rich,  and  was  truly  respectable,  ever  maintaining  the  fairest 
character  for  integrity  and  honor.  He  was  endowed  by  nature  with 
excellent  abilities,  and  filled  several  stations  in  the  Government  with 
great  reputation,  as  speaker  of  the  Assembly,  and  member  of  the  Coun- 
cil, Commissioner  of  Property,  and  Chief  Justice  of  Pennsylvania,  in 
which  last  office  he  was  at  the  time  of  his  decease,  June  4th,  1735. 
He  died  suddenly  of  an  apoplexy,  in  the  meeting-house  at  German- 
town,  and  was  immediately  brought  to  the  seat  of  his  friend  and  neigh- 
bor, James  Logan,  where  every  means  were  tried  for  his  recovery,  but 
in  vain.  In  1706,  Isaac  Norris  went,  with  his  wife  and  eldest  daughter, 
to  England,  on  a  visit  to  their  friends;  and  on  their  return,  my  grand- 
father purchased  a  large  estate  in  the  neighborhood  of  Philadelphia, 
where  he  built  a  very  handsome  and  commodious  house,  after  the  plan 
of  Dolobran  in  Wales,  and  called  it  Fairhill.  Here  he  resided  the 
rest  of  his  life.  After  his  decease,  the  seat  came  into  the  possession 
of  their  eldest  son,  Isaac  Norris,  who  supported,  with  great  credit,  the 
reputation  which  his  father  had  established. 

"  '  My  own  father  was  a  very  amiable,  domestic  character,  of  great 
sweetness  of  temper  and  agreeable  manners,  flowing  from  their  purest 
source — a  benevolent  heart.  He  was  exceedingly  beloved  by  his 
family  and  friends,  and  respected  and  esteemed  by  his  fellow-citizens. 
His  first  wife  was  Margaret  Rodman,  daughter  of  Dr.  Rodman,  of 
Bucks  County,  who  died  of  a  decline  within  a  year  after  their  mar- 
riage. He  was  then  building  his  house  in  Chestnut  Street,  which  he 
beautified  with  a  large  garden,  handsomely  laid  out,  according  to  the 
taste  of  the  times,  with  gravelled  walks  and  parterres  of  flowers,  of 
which  it  contained  a  good  collection,  with  fruits  of  various  kinds,  the 
best  I  ever  saw.  His  sister*  lived  with  him,  and  took  great  pleasure  in 
this  department.  She  had  also  a  green-house,  well  filled  with  exotics, 
and  a  small  hot-house,  where  her  gardener  produced  excellent  pine- 
apples.' After  describing  minutely  this  family  mansion,  she  observes: 
'  The  whole  house,  with  its  balconies  and  piazzas,  was  in  its  appear- 
ance altogether  singular,  and  different  from  any  I  ever  saw,  and  in  its 
days  of  splendor,  with  its  ample  plots  and  garden  undiminished,  was 
really  a  beautiful  habitation.  It  was  at  that  day  considered  as  placed 
in  the  western  extremity  of  the  city,  only  two  wooden  buildings  being 
beyond  it,  on  the  same  side  of  the  street,  above  the  State  House. 

"  'The  view  from  the  western  part  of  the  house,  up  stairs,  was  of 
pasture  lots,  bounded  by  the  Proprietor's  Woods. 

"'My  father  lived  a  widower  for  about  eight  years,  and  in  June, 
1759,  married  my  mother,  Mary  Parker,  daughter  of  Joseph  Parker, 
Esq.,  of  Chester,  Delaware  County,  Pennsylvania.  She  was  his  only 
child,  and  heir  to  his  fortune,  which  was  considerable.  Their  issue 
were : 

*  Deborah  Norris. 


MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN.  xlHi 

centre  of  attraction  for  all  who  visited  America.     Her  mother's 
house,  in  a  social  view  one  of  the  agreeable  mansions  of  the 

"  '  ist.   Isaac,  born  July  i8th,  1760,  (died  October  6th,  1802.) 

"  '2d.  Deborah,  born  October  19th,  1761,  (married  September  6th, 
1780,  to  Dr.  George  Logan.) 

''  '3d.  Joseph  Parker,  born  May  5th,  1763,  (married  to  Elizabeth 
H.  Fox,  May  20th,  1790.) 

"  '  4th.  Charles,  born  July  12th,  1765,  (married  to  Eunice  Gardner, 
and  died  at  his  house,  near  Norristown,  December  24th,  1812.) 

<*  '  Charles  Norris,  my  honored  father,  died  at  his  house  in  Chest- 
nut Street,  January  14th,  1766,  and  was  buried  on  the  i6th,  in  Friends' 
burial-ground  in  Arch  Street,  in  the  northeast  corner,  where  many  of 
his  family  were  also  laid. 

"  '  My  mother  was  an  excellent  woman,  and  of  very  good  abilities. 
She  had  received  a  much  better  education  than  was  usually  bestowed 
on  daughters  when  she  was  young.  Her  mind  was  enriched  by  an 
acquaintance  with  the  best  authors,  her  memory  was  uncommonly 
good,  her  disposition  cheerful,  and  her  conversation  instructive  and 
very  entertaining.  She  was  solid,  prudent,  affectionate,  and  benevo- 
lent. The  manner  in  which  she  conducted  herself  after  the  decease 
of  her  husband,  and  the  very  able  manner  in  which  she  investigated 
and  settled  his  affairs,  secured  her  the  kindest  friendship  of  his  family, 
and  the  esteem  and  applause  of  all  who  knew  her  and  could  judge  of 
the  difficulties  she  had  to  surmount. 

"  '  She  died,  December  4th,  1799,  at  her  father's  house  in  Chester, 
where  she  resided  the  last  eight  years  of  her  life,  and  was  buried  on 
the  6th,  in  Friends'  ground  in  that  place,  by  the  side  of  her  father. 
Her  illness  was  short  but  not  severe,  her  mind  calm,  and  her  exit 
apparently  easy. 

"  '  My  grandfather,  Joseph  Parker,  came  over  to  this  country  pretty 
early  in  the  last  century.  He  had  received  a  good  English  education. 
His  father  possessed  a  freehold  estate  in  Yorkshire,  Great  Britain, 
where  he  was  born  ;  but  the  rigor  and  hard  usage  of  a  mother-in-law 
forced  him  to  emigrate  when  young;  yet  he  loved  his  half-brother, 
her  son,  and  used  to  please  himself  with  the  thought  that  he  left  the 
entail  of  his  father's  estate  to  him,  who  would  be  thus  benefited  by 
his  absence. 

"  'Upon  his  arrival,  he  landed  at  Chester;  and  Judge  Lloyd,  who 
lived  there,  took  him  into  his  office  as  his  secretary.  His  integrity 
and  good  conduct  soon  made  him  respected,  and  he  acquired  property, 
not,  as  it  is  now,  by  speculation,  and  overreaching  of  others,  but  by  hon- 
est industry  and  prudence.  He  enjoyed  afterward  many  public  offices 
in  the  country,  and  was  much  respected  by  his  fellow-citizens  and  by 
the  Government.  After  some  years,  he  married  Mary  Ladd,  the  daugh- 
ter of  a  respectable  family  in  West  Jersey,  and  received  with  her  a 
suitable  portion.  But  this  happiness  did  not  last  long,  for  she  died 
five  days  after  giving  birth  to  her  first  child,  who  was  my  honored 
mother.'     To  her  our  great-grandfather  devoted  himself:    he  never 


xliv  MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN. 

town,  where  strangers  were  invited  and  were  hospitably  enter- 
tained, frequently  presented  an  odd  mixture  of  characters :    the 

married  again ;  and  our  mother,  in  her  memoir  says :  *  They  lived 
together  in  a  harmony  and  friendship  the  most  delightful.  I  have 
frequently  heard  her  speak  of  the  happiness  of  her  early  life :  the  state 
of  society  in  which  they  lived,  the  sociability,  kindness,  and  good 
neighborhood  that  was  among  them  seemed  to  realize  the  idea  of  the 
golden  age.  He  died  at  his  house  in  Chester,  the  21st  of  May,  1766, 
and  was  buried  in  Friends'  burial-ground  belonging  to  that  place.' 

"  The  above  extracts  are  from  manuscripts  of  our  dear  mother,  writ- 
ten, as  she  says,  'for  my  posterity.'  Much  more,  of  an  interesting 
nature  to  us,  is  contained  in  those  pages  ;  but  in  wishing  to  give  some 
incidents  relative  to  the  family  from  which  she  is  descended  on  both 
sides,  I  fear  that  the  proper  limits  may  be  already  exceeded  in  the 
detail. 

"How  much  do  I  regret  that  an  autobiography  of  herself  is  not 
mine  to  turn  to  !  Hers  was  a  life  not  full  of  startling  events,  but  a 
beautiful  picture  of  one  who  passed  through  its  varied  scenes,  adorn- 
ing the  precepts  she  taught  by  her  own  bright  example. 

"  She  was,  as  has  been  said,  the  only  daughter  of  her  father's  sec- 
ond marriage.  Schools  were,  in  that  day,  very  different  from  the 
present  —  few  in  number,  though  perhaps  bearing  a  tolerable  compar- 
ison with  the  then  population.  To  one  of  these,  kept  by  the  excellent 
Anthony  Benezet,  our  mother  was  indebted  for  all  her  acquirement  at 
school ;  and  I  have  heard  her  frequently  say  that,  full  of  life  and 
glee,  she  found,  upon  leaving  that  good  man's  instruction,  she  had  not 
made  the  most  of  her  time  spent  under  his  care  ;  though  he  so  entirely 
appreciated  her  forming  character,  even  at  that  early  period,  that, 
when  on  any  occasion  obliged  to  vacate  his  seat  as  head  of  the  depart- 
ment, he  would  call  '  Norris  '  to  take  his  place,  being  fully  aware  that 
the  natural  gayety  of  her  disposition,  which  often  was  indulged  in  to 
the  delight  of  her  companions,  would  at  once  be  set  aside  for  the  trust 
reposed  in  her. 

"  Soon  after  leaving  school,  her  own  fine  understanding  convinced 
her  that  she  must  enter  upon  a  regular  course  of  home  education,  which 
she  at  once  commenced,  and  pursued  with  such  interest  and  industry 
that  I  have  heard  her  say  she  gained  more  in  a  short  time  than  she  had 
ever  done  at  school.  To  this  decision  she  was  indebted  for  the  love 
of  literature  which  was  afterward  so  beautifully  carried  out  in  her 
every-day  life. 

"  I  feel  that  it  is  not  for  me  to  do  other  than  throw  together  some 
dates  and  extracts,  which  I  hope  will  be  useful,  should  any  sketch  be 
given  to  the  public  of  her  whose  character  is  so  entirely  worthy  of  a 
perfect  delineation. 

"She  was  married  to  Dr.  Logan  in  1781,  when,  after  spending  a 
few  years  in  Philadelphia,  he  relinquished  his  practice  as  a  physician 
there,  and  removed  to  Stenton,  which  was  ever  after  their  place  of 
residence. 


MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN.  xlv 

plain  and  honest  countryman  often  met  the  polished  and  courtly 
foreigner.     The  following  anecdote,  which  we  transcribe  from 

"All  her  tastes  were  for  a  rural  retirement,  which  she  was  emi- 
nently calculated  to  enjoy;  and  while  everything  in  her  household  was 
arranged  and  attended  to  with  the  most  scrupulous  exactness,  it  was 
her  happy  faculty  to  fiiid  time  for  all;  and  years  were  added  to  her 
valued  life  by  her  habit  of  early  rising,  and  employing  the  time  gained 
from  sleep  in  the  most  useful  manner.  When  copying  the  corre- 
spondence between  William  Penn  and  James  Logan,  etc.,  she  would 
not  permit  that  voluminous  work  to  interfere  with  her  daily  occupa- 
tions, but  chose  the  '  early  hours '  for  her  work,  when  others  slept. 
In  one  of  her  poetical  effusions,  written  December  6th,  1814,  she 
apostrophizes  the  'Hour  of  Prime.'  I  leave  to  her  own  graphic  pen 
the  picture.  '  Recollections,  Inscribed  to  my  Husband  during  a  Fit  of 
Sickness,'  is  a  beautiful  specimen  of  her  style  in  poetry,  though  perhaps 
too  personal  for  the  public.  'A  Sonnet,  (Retirement,)  written  some 
Years  since,'  is  another. 

"I  have  always  regretted  that  so  fine  a  poetical  talent  as  hers 
undoubtedly  was,  should  have  been  so  seldom  employed.  That  her 
muse  never  left  her,  we  find  from  those  beautiful  lines  '  Written  in  Old 
Age.' 

"As  to  her  productions"  in  prose,  the  editorial  remarks  affixed  to  the 
'  Correspondence,'  her  memoir  of  her  husband,  etc.,  I  should  suppose, 
would  be  sufficient  to  give  a  correct  impression  of  her  style.  The 
'  Recollections  '  exhibit  that  patriotic  zeal  which  made  her  enthusiastic 
in  her  country's  cause:  a  zeal  the  growth  of  a  lifetime.  An  extract 
from  her  diary  alludes  to  a  momentous  period  in  our  history,  and 
evinces  the  deep  interest  taken  at  the  early  age  of  15,  which  was  nearly 
hers,  in  its  most  critical  state.     The  date  is  July  9th,  1826: 

"  'How  a  little  time  spreads  the  veil  of  oblivion  over  the  manner 
of  the  most  important  events  !  It  is  now  a  question  of  doubt  at  what 
hour  ox  how  the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  given  to  the  people.* 

*  [Several  different  statements  have  been  made  as  to  the  place  from  which,  and  the 
person  by  whom  the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  first  read  to  the  people.  One 
writer  asserts  that  it  was  read  from  the  steps  of  the  tower,  another  from  the  south 
window  of  the  same,  another  from  the  front  steps  of  the  building.  All  these  accounts 
are  wrong.  The  accurate  Christopher  Marshall,  who  was  present  on  the  occasion, 
sets  both  these  questions  at  rest.  He  says,  in  his  "  Remembrances,"  under  date  of 
July  8lh,  1776:  ....  "Warm,  sunshine  morning.  At  eleven,  went  and  met  [the] 
Committee  of  Inspection  at  [the]  Philosophical  Hall;  went  from  there  in  a  body  to 
the  lodge  ;  joined  the  Committee  of  Safety,  (as  called  ;)  went  in  a  body  to  [the]  State 
House  yard,  where,  in  the  presence  of  a  great  concourse  of  people,  the  Declaration 
of  Independency  was  read  by  John  Nixon.  The  company  declared  their  approba- 
tion by  three  repeated  huzzas.  The  King's  arms  were  taken  down  in  the  court- 
room. State  House,  [at  the]  same  time.  From  there,  some  of  us  went  to  B.  Armi- 
tage's  tavern ;  stayed  till  one.  I  went  and  dined  at  Paul  Fooks's ;  lay  down  there 
after  dinner  till  five.  Then  he  and  the  French  engineer  went  with  me  on  the  com- 
mons, where  the  same  was  proclaimed  at  each  of  the  five  battalions —  Chris- 
topher MarshaiPs  Remembrances,  edited  by  WiLLlAM  DUANE,  Jr.     Philada.,  1839. 

This  account,  it  will  be  seen,  is  confirmed  by  Mrs.  Logan,  who  stood,  on  Fifth  Street, 


xlvi  MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN. 

the  "  Life  of  Humphrey  Marshall,"  by  the  late  Dr.  Darling- 
ton, the  eminent  botanist  and  naturalist  of  Chester  County,  will 
pleasantly  illustrate  our  statement : 

Perhaps  few  now  remain  that  heard  it  read  on  that  day,  but  of  that 
few  I  am  one.  Being  in  the  lot  adjoining  to  our  old  mansion-house  in 
Chestnut  Street,  that  then  extended  to  Fifth  Street,  I  distinctly  heard 
the  words  of  that  instrument  read  to  the  people,  (I  believe,  for  I  did 
not  see  the  reader,)  a  low  building  being  on  Fifth  Street  which  pre- 
vented my  sight ;  and  I  think  it  was  Charles  Thomson's  voice.  It 
took  place  a  little  after  12  at  noon;  and  they  then  proceeded  down 
the  street,  (I  understood,)  to  read  it  at  the  Court  House. 

"  *  It  was  a  time  of  fearful  doubt  and  great  anxiety  with  the  people, 
many  of  whom  were  appalled  at  the  boldness  of  the  measure  ;  and  the 
first  audience  of  the  Declaration  was  neither  very  numerous  nor  com- 
posed of  the  most  respectable  class  of  citizens  ;  though  there  is  no 
mistake  in  saying  that  the  Revolution  itself  was,  (I  believe,)  in  all  the 
States,  the  work  of  the  best  informed  and  most  efficient  men  ;  but  then 
they  only  looked  in  general  to  their  resistance  to  the  tyranny  of  the 
Government,  inducing  an  abandonment  of  its  obnoxious  designs,  as 
had  been  the  case  with  the  Stamp  Act.  At  first,  all  disclaimed  any 
wish  to  separate.  Affection  to  the  mother  country  was  cherished,  as 
the  amor  patrice  of  every  American  ;  but  she  violently  forced  us  from 
her  side,  and  compelled  us,  in  self-defence,  to  break  the  degrading 
yoke.  I  have  heard,  from  a  source  that  I  cannot  doubt,  that  Dr. 
Franklin  himself,  who  had  then  recently  returned  from  England,  was 
for  putting  off  the  Declaration,  to  gain  more  time  to  meet  its  difficulties.' 

"I  am  induced  to  make  the  above  extract,  as  showing  the  vivid 
impressions  made  upon  her  at  so  early  a  period,  when,  I  think  I  have 

upon  the  fence  belonging  to  her  father's  garden,  at  a  point,  of  course,  to  the  south 
of  the  southern  wall  of  the  hall  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society,  hut  whose 
view  was  obstructed  by  a  frame  building,  which  was  probably  some  structure  built 
on  Independence  Square.  It  is  also  confirmed  by  John  Adams,  who  was  present 
and  heard  the  Declaration  read,  and  in  a  letter  describes  the  reading  as  having  taken 
place  from  that  "  aivful platform  "  —  words  which  had  a  deep  significance,  when  we 
consider  the  perilous  position  of  those  who  signed  the  instrument.  We  recollect 
having  met  this  letter  in  the  course  of  an  examination,  made  at  the  wish  of  Mr. 
P.  F.  Rothermel,  who  projxjsed  "The  Reading"  as  tlie  subject  for  a  painting,  and 
afterward  gave  the  world  one  of  the  most  successful  of  his  works,  of  which  this  was 
the  theme.  Our  own  search  and  that  of  Mr.  Rothermel  have  failed  to  recover  the 
printed  copy  of  this  letter. 

The  "platform"  to  which  we  refer  was  erected  at  the  expense  of  the  American 
Philosophical  Society,  for  the  purpose  of  observing  the  transit  of  Venus,  which  took 
place  on  the  3d  of  June,  1769  —  "a  phenomenon  seen  but  twice  before  by  any  inhab- 
itant of  our  earth,  and  which  could  never  be  seen  again  by  any  person  then  living." 

The  late  Mr.  Thomas  Pratt,  who  died  in  1869,  at  the  great  age  of  95,  perfectly 
remembered  this  structure  ;  and  in  a  conversation  with  the  editor,  a  few  weeks  before 
his  death,  described  it  to  him  as  a  rough  wooden  stage,  which  stood  on  the  line  of 
the  eastern  walk,  about  midway  between  Fourth  and  Fifth  Streets.  It  was  used  for 
many  years  as  a  place  from  which  speakers  were  in  the  practice  of  addressing  popu- 
lar assemblies.  —  Editor.] 


MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN.  xlvii 

"  In  those  days  of  unaffected  hospitality,"  says  the  biographer,  "  it 
was  the  custom  with  country  people,  when  they  went  to  'town,'  to 
stop,  without  ceremony,  at  the  houses  of  their  city  friends.  The  resi- 
dence of  Mrs.  Norris  was  usually  the  city  house  of  Humphrey  Marshall, 
when  he  visited  Philadelphia.  It  was  also  a  favorite  resort  of  polished 
society,  whether  residents  or  strangers. 

"On  one  occasion,  when  a  French  gentleman  of  distinction  was 
among  the  visitors,  Humphrey  Marshall,  in  all  his  old-fashioned  plain- 
ness and  simplicity,  arrived.  Mrs.  Norris's  daughter  Deborah  (after- 
ward the  accomplished  wife  of  Dr.  George  Logan)  gracefully  received 
her  venerable  friend  from  the  country,  and  with  the  address  of  a  well- 
bred  lady  introduced  him  to  the  distinguished  stranger,  although  not 
without  some  misgivings  from  the  apparent  want  of  congruity  in  the 
parties  thus  brought  together.  She  was  much  gratified,  however,  to 
observe  that  they  soon  became  closely  engaged  in  conversation  ;  and 
after  they  separated,  the  French  gentleman,  with  an  air  of  lively  inter- 
est, inquired :  '  Miss  Norris,  have  you  many  such  men  as  this  Mr. 
Marshall  among  you  ?  '  " 

Mrs.  Logan  possessed  a  mind  no  less  formed  to  instruct  than 
to  please.  Uniting  perfect  ease  with  dignity,  fascination  of 
manner  with  refinement  of  sentiment,  it  was  not  a  matter  of 
surprise  that  her  society  should  be  sought. 

Her  pen  did  not  engross  to  the  exclusion  of  domestic  duties, 
but  she  always  found  time  for  her  literary  pursuits  as  well  as 
household  affairs.  Truly,  indeed,  do  the  charms  of  accom- 
plished women  shed  their  lustre  upon  those  with  whom  they 
come  in  contact ! 

Watson,  the  annalist,  who  was  intimately  acquainted  with 
Mrs.  Logan,  has  thus  very  happily  delineated  her  character ;  and 
in  the  correctness  of  the  description,  all  who  had  the  happiness 
to  know  her  will  heartily  unite : 

heard  her  say,  that  she  was  mounted  on  a  fence  in  the  lot,  to  hear  more 
distinctly  what  she  narrates. 

"  I  refer  to  her  memoir  of  her  husband  for  her  picture  in  married 
life.  I  need  not  add,  as  the  sketch  in  question  will,  I  hope,  be  from 
one  who  will  be  so  true  to  the  subject  as  to  produce  a  whole,  from 
which  we  should  wish  nothing  taken  and  nothing  added. 

"She  died  at  Stenton,  the  2d  of  February,  1839,  and  was  interred 
on  the  5th,  in  the  family  burial-ground  there,  which  was  laid  out  and 
planted  by  her  own  direction.  M.  D.  L. 

"  Stenton,  September  li,  1851." 


xlviii  MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN. 

"  Gentle  and  modest  in  her  manners,  and  with  a  very  kind-hearted 
disposition  and  liberal  mind,  she  possessed  a  peculiarly  winning  grace 
and  ease,  strongly  expressive  of  benevolence  and  polished  politeness 
combined.  Her  ability  to  adapt  herself  to  all  circumstances  and  to 
every  occasion  of  life  shone  in  her  actions,  with  all  the  grace  and 
purity  of  Christian  love  and  gentleness  ;  for  she  was  deeply  imbued 
with  the  Christian  affections  and  graces.  To  love  such  a  lovely  woman 
was  instinctive  in  all  who  approached  her.  She  was  the  delight  of  the 
young,  and  the  beloved  of  the  aged.  Rarely,  indeed,  does  it  fall  to 
the  lot  of  humanity,  in  old  age,  to  possess  so  many  points  of  loveli- 
ness and  goodness  worthy  to  be  admired  in  life  and  fondly  remem- 
bered in  death." 

Mrs.  Logan  never  flattered,  but  always  formed  the  most  favor- 
able opinion  that  truth  would  permit ;  and  through  life  exhibited 
that  uniform  propriety  of  conduct  and  union  of  those  virtues 
which  ought  to  characterize  her  sex. 

In  1 78 1,  she  married  Doctor  George  Logan,  a  grandson  of 
James  Logan,  the  secretary  and  confidential  friend  of  William 
Penn.  This  marriage  proved  a  very  happy  one,  and  gave  oppor- 
tunity to  indulge  her  taste  for  historical  literature,  of  which 
she  was  always  remarkably  fond.  At  Stenton,  the  family  seat 
of  the  Logans,  she  found  a  large  mass  of  valuable  papers,  relat- 
ing to  the  early  history  of  Pennsylvania,  in  confusion  and  dis- 
order. They  had  been  very  much  neglected,  and  treated  as 
useless  waste-paper,  and  were  piled  away  in  the  garrets  as  worth- 
less rubbish,  the  very  room  they  occupied  being  bestowed 
reluctantly.  She  was  not,  however,  to  be  discouraged  by  their 
unpromising  appearance,  and  mouldy,  worm-eaten,  and  tattered 
condition,  nor  with  the  difficulty  of  deciphering  that  which 
appeared  at  first  as  unintelligible  as  Egyptian  hieroglyphics. 
She  devoted  many  years  of  her  life  in  collecting,  arranging, 
systematizing,  and  copying  these  papers.  Many  thousand  pages 
of  original  letters  relating  to  the  colonial  history  were  neatly 
copied,  with  remarks  and  annotations ;  and  it  may  confidently 
be  asserted  that  no  individual  now  living  has  an  equal  knowl- 
edge of  the  character  of  those  who  founded  the  colony  or  figured 
in  its  early  history.  To  her  industry,  perseverance,  and  zeal 
are  we  indebted  for  many  valuable  papers  that  would  otherwise, 
in  all  probability,  have  been  lost. 


MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN.  xlix 

Considering  the  nature  of  the  materials  and  their  perishing 
condition,  her  task  was  neither  inviting  nor  easy;  and  it  has 
been  well  executed,  as  the  manuscript  volumes  in  the  possession 
of  the  Philosophical  and  Historical  Societies  attest.  It  is  a  mat- 
ter of  great  public  importance  that  these  papers  were  rescued 
and  preserved  for  public  benefit. 

One  of  the  chief,  if  not  the  most  conspicuous  of  all  her  char- 
acters, is  James  Logan  himself;  for,  after  Penn,  he  was  the  lead- 
ing man  in  the  colony.  In  all  its  important  measures  he  took 
a  conspicuous  part,  and  exhibited  on  all  occasions  an  independ- 
ent spirit,  great  intelligence,  and  a  steady  consistency  of  char- 
acter, joined  to  a  warm  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  Penn 
family  throughout.  He  battled  manfully  for  these  interests,  and 
was  a  zealous  defender  of  their  rights  on  all  occasions.  When 
it  was  necessary  to  defend  the  province  from  the  apprehended 
attacks  of  a  foreign  enemy,  he  renounced  the  peaceful  tenets  of 
his  own  religious  Society,  and  openly  and  boldly  maintained 
that  defensive  war,  in  contradistinction  to  aggressive  war,  was 
justifiable.  When  the  severity  with  which  he  enforced  the  pay- 
ment of  the  quit-rents  of  the  proprietary,  and  his  resistance  to 
the  aggression  on  the  rights  of  Penn,  brought  him  into  col- 
lision with  the  Assembly,  who,  at  the  instance  of  David  Lloyd, 
impeached  him,  he  skilfully  turned  on  that  body,  and  retorted 
that  the  attack  on  himself,  as  an  humble  individual,  was  only  a 
feint  to  the  real  attack  on  Penn,  his  master.  Emboldened  by  the 
success  of  his  defence,  he  now  determined  to  retaliate,  and  fear- 
lessly attacked  Lloyd  himself,  who  was  not  only  the  speaker 
of  the  Assembly,  but  the  great  leader  of  the  popular  party  in 
the  Quaker  interest,  which  clamored  so  violently. 

As  Mrs.  Logan  lived  during  the  period  of  our  war  for  inde- 
pendence, she  always  retained  a  strong  impression  of  its  stir- 
ring events.  The  writer  has  often  heard  her  recount,  with  great 
pleasure  and  emphasis,  many  of  the  soul-stirring  scenes  and 
personal  incidents  of  the  war;  and  she  loved  to  dwell,  with 
extreme  delight,  upon  the  memory  of  the  times  when  our  ances- 

VOL.  I.  —  D 


1  MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN. 

tors  buckled  on  their  armor  with  chivalric  alacrity,  to  defend 
the  rights  and  liberties  of  their  country. 

She  possessed  also  very  considerable  poetic  talent,  which 
was  exhibited  in  many  verses  that  she  wrote.  Several  of  these 
were  published  in  the  "National  Gazette,"  whose  learned  and 
accomplished  editor,  Mr.  Walsh,  speakijig  of  some  of  her  poetry, 
says  :  "  To  the  expression  of  our  satisfaction  with  her  muse,  we 
add  the  tribute  of  admiration  due  to  a  strength  of  intellect,  a 
copiousness  of  knowledge,  an  habitual  dignity  of  thought  and 
manner,  and  a  natural  justness  and  refinement  of  sentiment." 

In  the  department  of  our  colonial  history,  Mrs.  Logan  has 
obtained  just  celebrity,  and  has  established  a  reputation  that 
time  will  strengthen  and  confirm.  She  has  won  for  herself  a 
high  fame,  as  one  of  the  most  gifted,  pious,  and  exemplary 
ladies  of  her  age,  and  has  left  a  memory  which  is  dear  to  all 
who  had  the  pleasure  to  know  her  personally. 

Her  husband.  Dr.  George  Logan,  died  April  9th,  1821.  She 
survived  him  many  years,  and  died,  February  2d,  1839,  at  Stenton. 


TO     THE    MEMORY 

Of  my  beloved  and  honored  Grandmother, 

DEBORAH    LOGAN. 

Obiit  2d-mo.  2d,  1839. 

'  But  yesterday,  and  thou  wert  bright 

As  rays  that  fringe  the  morning  cloud ; 
Now  lost  to  life,  and  love,  and  light, 

"Wrapt  in  the  winding-sheet  and  shroud ; 
And  darkly  o'er  thee  broods  the  pall, 

While  faint  and  low  thy  dirge  is  sung; 
And  wami  dnd  fast  around  thee  fall 

Tears  of  the  beautiful  and  young." 

Oh  for  a  lyre  whose  heavenly  tone 

Might  breathe  a  music  like  thine  own ! 

And  for  a  voice  like  thine,  to  fling 

Its  inspiration  o'er  the  string! 

But  thine  has  caught  a  holier  strain, 

And  wakes  no  more  for  earth  again ! 

And  that  loved  voice  has  joined  to  raise, 

Thro'  heaven's  high  dome,  the  song  of  praise ; 


MRS.    DEBORAH    LOGAN.  H 

Hast  found,  in  that  refulgent  light, 
New  glories  beam  upon  thy  sight; 
And,  bursting  on  thy  ravished  ear. 
The  strains  whose  echo  met  thee  here , 
Unfolding  to  thy  cloudless  eye 
The  hidden  wonders  of  the  sky, 
And  to  thy  deep,  expansive  soul, 
The  power  to  comprehend  the  whole. 

But  say,  from  that  bright  world  of  bliss, 
If  still  some  thought  awakes  for  this  ? 
If  still,  in  heaven,  thy  soul  can  own 
The  ties  which  earth  had  round  thee  thrown 
For  those  whose  severed  spirits  still 
Must  feel  a  vacuum  none  can  fill  — 
For  those  who  tread  thy  echoing  hall, 
And  list,  in  vain,  thy  footsteps'   fall  ? 

For  those  who  dwell  where  thou  hast  dwelt  — 
For  those  who  kneel  where  thou  hast  knelt  — 
For  those  whose  every  glance  can  see 
Something  that  wakes  the  thought  of  thee  ? 
Thy  hearth,  thy  board,  thy  vacant  chair. 
Of  thee  the  loved  memorials  are ! 
And  not  a  chord  our  spirits  own 
But  wakes  for  thee  its  deepest  tone ! 

Oh !  who  that  saw  thy  parting  here, 
Would  shed  for  tJtee  the  anguished  tear  ? 
Who  saw  thy  heaven-directed  eye. 
Would  keep  thee  longer  from  the  sky  ? 
Life's  golden  sands  for  thee  were  run  ! 
The  fight  -was  fottght,  the  victory  won  ! 
The  richest  draught  't  was  thine  to  drain, 
And  give  the  glory  whence  it  came  ! 

Farewell,  farewell ! — in  heaven,  again 

May  reunite  the  severed  chain  ! 

But  never  more  on  earth  can  shine 

A  love  for  us  so  deep  as  thine ! 

Dearest  and  honored  one,  thy  name 

With  lustre  gilds  the  scroll  of  fame ! 

But  brighter  than  its  meteor  ray 

The  path  thou  trod  to  endless  day  ! 

M.  N.  L. 
Stonton,  8th-mo.  5th,  1839. 


JAMES  LOGAN.^ 


JAMES  LOGAN,  whose  services  to  the  public  and  to  Wil- 
liam Penn,  the  illustrious  founder  of  Pennsylvania,  were 
so  many  and  so  important,  was  born  at  Lurgan,  in  Ireland,  the 
20th  of  the  8th  mo.,  1674.  His  family  were  originally  from 
Scotland,  and  were  very  opulent  until  the  Crown  seized  the 
estates,  alleging  that  Sir  Robert  Logan  was  implicated  in  the 
conspiracy  of  the  Earls  of  Gowrie.  His  father,  Patrick  Logan, 
had  received  a  university  education,  being  designed  for  the 
Church,  but  becoming  convinced  of  the  religious  principles  of 
the  people  called  "  Quakers,"  he  relinquished  his  profession,  and 
went  over  to  Ireland  with  his  wife,  where  he  settled  and  edu- 
cated his  children.  The  abilities  of  this  son  must  have  been 
early  apparent,  for  he  speaks  of  having  attained  the  Latin, 
Greek,  and  some  Hebrew  before  he  was  thirteen  years  of  age; 
and  also  that,  in  his  sixteenth  year,  having  met  with  a  book  of 
the  Leybourns^  on  mathematics,  he  made  himself  master  of  that 
science,  without  any  manner  of  instruction.  He  had  been  put 
apprentice  to  a  considerable  linen-draper,  in  London;  but  the 
Prince  of  Orange  landing,  and  the  war  in  Ireland  coming  on, 
before  he  was  bound,  he  was  returned  to  his  parents,  and  went 
over  with  them,  first  to  Edinburgh,  and  then  to  London  and 
Bristol.  Here,  he  says,  while  employed  in  instructing  others, 
he  improved  himself  in  the  Greek  and  Hebrew:  he  also  learned 
French  and  Italian,  with  some  Spanish  ;  and  he  notices  that  he 
went  three  months  to  a  French  master  to  learn  the  pronuncia- 

^  [Mrs.  Logan  has  entitled  this  paper,  "  Some  account  of  the  Honor- 
able James  Logan,  originally  written  for  these  selections  in  181 4."  — 
Editor.] 

*I  suppose  this  to  be  a  small  volume  entitled  "  Ludtis  Mathema- 
ticus,"  by  E.  W.,  printed  by  R.  &  W.  Leybourn,  mdcliv.  — L. 

Ui 


JAMES    LOGAN. 


liii 


tion,  without  which  he  was  sensible  he  should  never  be  able 
to  speak  it ;  and  this,  he  says,  was  the  only  money  he  ever  paid 
for  instruction;  for  though  he  had  his  course  of  "Humanity," 
as  it  is  called,  from  his  father,  yet  he  could  safely  say  that  he 
never  gave  him  the  least  instruction  whatsoever  more  than  he 
gave  to  his  other  pupils.  In  1698  he  had  a  prospect  of  engag- 
ing in  a  trade  between  Dublin  and  Bristol,  and  had  commenced 
it  with  a  good  prospect  of  success,  when,  in  the  spring  of  1699, 
William  Penn  made  proposals  to  him  to  accompany  him  to 
Pennsylvania  as  his  secretary.  He  submitted  this  offer  to 
the  consideration  of  his  friends,  who  disagreed  in  their  judg- 
ment: himself  decided  in  its  favor,  and,  accordingly,  sailed  with 
William  Penn,  September  3d,  1699,  in  the  Canterbury,  Fryers 
master.  Their  voyage  was  prosperous,  and  they  arrived  in 
Philadelphia  the  beginning  of  the  loth-mo.  (December)  fol- 
lowing. 

The  then  adverse  state  of  his  affairs  caused  the  stay  of  the 
Proprietor  to  be  but  short ;  for  in  less  than  two  years  he  returned 
to  England,  leaving  his  secretary  invested  with  many  important 
offices,  which  he  discharged  with  singular  fidelity  and  judgment. 
He  was  Secretary  of  the  Province,  Commissioner  of  Property, 
for  some  time  President  of  the  Council,  and  afterward  Chief 
Justice  of  Pennsylvania. 

Notwithstanding  his  life  was  thus  devoted  to  business,  he 
found  time  to  cultivate  his  love  of  science,  and  at  length  was 
permitted  to  enjoy  the  treasures  of  knowledge  which  he  had 
acquired,  in  a  truly  dignified  retirement,  at  his  seat  of  Stenton, 
near  Germantown.  He  corresponded  with  the  literati  in  various 
parts  of  Europe,  and  received  at  his  house  all  strangers  of  dis- 
tinction or  repute  who  visited  Pennsylvania.  He  was  also  the 
patron  of  ingenious  men,  and  constantly  exerted  himself  to 
procure  for  merit  its  well-earned  meed.  Dr.  Franklin  expe- 
rienced his  protection  and  friendship ;  and  it  was  to  him  that 
Thomas    Godfrey  ^  first   imparted  his  ideas   of   the  celebrated 

^  Godfrey  was  by  trade  a  painter  and  glazier,  and  employed  in  his 
business  at  Stenton,  when,  by  accidentally  observing  a  piece  of  fallen 
glass,  an  idea  presented  itself  to  his  reflecting  mind,  (perhaps  long 
before  occupied  on  such  subjects.)     He  left  his  scaffold,  and,  going 


llV  JAMES    LOGAN. 

quadrant,  which  ought  to  bear  his  name  instead  of  that  of  Had- 
ley.  The  instrument  was  submitted  to  the  inspection  of  James 
Logan,  who  procured  it  to  be  taken  to  sea  ;  and  finding  its  use- 
fulness, greatly  exerted  himself,  though  without  effect,  to  have 
the  merit  of  the  invention  and  its  promised  reward  secured  to 
its  real  author. 

The  confidence  which  William  Penn  reposed  in  the  abilities 
and  integrity  of  his  secretary  is  abundantly  evinced  in  his  letters 
to  him.  Fidelity,  integrity,  and  disinterestedness  were  emi- 
nently conspicuous  in  his  character,  which  was  indeed  of  that 
sterling  worth  that  needs  no  meretricious  ornament. 

The  aborigines,  whose  concerns  were  consigned  to  his  care 
by  William  Penn,  paid  an  affecting  tribute  to  his  worth,  when  in 
his  advanced  age  they  entreated  his  attendance  on  their  behalf 
at  a  treaty  held  at  Philadelphia,  in  1742,  where  they  publicly 
testified  by  their  chief,  Cannassatego,  their  satisfaction  for  his 
services  and  sense  of  his  worth ;  calling"him  a  wise  and  good  man, 
and  expressing  their  hope  that  when  his  soul  ascended  to  God. 
one  just  like  him  might  be  found  for  the  good  of  the  province 
and  their  benefit.^ 

Besides  his  published  works,  there  is  an  Essay  on  Moral  Phi- 
losophy, still  extant  in  manuscript,  and  letters  on  a  variety  of 
subjects,  which  show  the  deep  research  of  which  the  mind  of 
this  great  man  was  capable  ;  and  it  is  pleasing  to  reflect  that, 

into  the  library,  took  down  a  volume  of  Newton.  James  Logan  enter- 
ing at  this  time,  and  seeing  the  book  in  his  hand,  inquired  into  the 
motive  of  his  search.  He  was  exceedingly  pleased  with  Godfrey's 
ingenuity,  and  from  that  time  became  his  zealous  friend.  He  procured 
a  skilful  person  to  try  the  quadrant  at  sea;  and  finding  it  to  answer 
their  most  sanguine  expectations,  endeavored,  by  writing  to  his  friends 
in  England,  and  to  Sir  Hans  Sloan,  then  President  of  the  Royal 
Society,  to  get  the  reward  offered  by  that  institution  secured  to  God- 
frey, in  opposition  to  Hadley,  who,  it  was  supposed,  had  obtained  a 
description  of  the  instrument  from  his  nephew,  who,  it  was  recollected, 
had  seen  it  in  the  West  Indies,  where  it  had  been  taken  for  further 
trial,  and  had  been  shown,  with  exultation,  by  the  captain,  to  some 
captains  of  the  navy  and  other  gentlemen  there.  Such  is  the  tradition 
in  his  family.  James  Logan  asserts,  in  a  letter  to  one  of  his  friends, 
that  Godfrey's  discovery  was  two  years  prior  to  Hadley's.  — L. 

^  He  often  had  the  Indians  for  his  guests  at  Stenton,  three  or  four 
hundred  of  them  at  a  time,  for  several  weeks. 


JAMES    LOGAN.  Iv 

although  he  suffered  more  than  the  usual  infirmities  of  age, 
(having  injured  himself  severely  by  a  fall,  some  years  before,) 
yet  his  mind  was  sustained  in  undiminished  strength.  He  was 
eminently  happy  in  domestic  life,  his  wife  being  a  most  amiable 
lady,  and  his  children  dutiful  and  affectionate.  After  a  retire- 
ment of  several  years  from  public  business,  he  finished  his  useful 
and  active  life  at  his  seat  at  Stenton,  October  31st,  175  i,  having 
just  entered  into  the  77th  year  of  his  age. 

He  left  the  valuable  library  which  bears  his  name,  a  legacy  to 
the  public — such  at  least  was  his  intention,  and  his  children 
after  his  death  fulfilled  the  bequest. 


INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

BY  MRS.  LOGAN. 

THE  affairs  of  Europe,  about  the  time  of  the  commencement  of  this 
correspondence,  were  far  from  being  in  a  state  of  tranquillity ;  to- 
ward the  latter  part  of  King  William's  reign,  he  was  made  extremely  un- 
easy by  the  prosecution  of  some  of  his  ministers  and  particular  favorites, 
of  which,  perhaps  the  Earl  of  Portland  was  chief.  Lord  Somers,  after- 
ward the  Chancellor,  the  Earl  of  Oxford,  Treasurer  of  the  Navy,  and  the 
Earl  of  Halifax,  were  ail  impeached,  to  the  King's  great  vexation.  In 
France,  Louis  XIV.  were  taking  vast  strides  toward  universal  monarchy, 
and  plots  and  intrigue  was  busy  for  the  restoration  of  James  the  Second 
to  the  crown  of  England.  The  Republic  of  Holland  had  acknowl- 
edged the  Duke  of  Anjou  as  King  of  Spain,  and  the  tempest  of  war 
seemed  ready  to  burst  over  Europe.  America  now  appeared  as  a  sure 
and  safe  asylum  from  these  troubles,  as  well  as  from  the  intolerance  of 
religious  persecution  ;  yet  it  will  appear  from  these  letters  that  they  had 
their  difficulties  and  vexations  to  contend  with,  a  thing  I  believe  insep- 
erable  from  human  affairs  in  any  age  or  nation. 

The  first  settlement  of  Pennsylvania,  notwithstanding  these  feuds,  has 
always  conveyed  to  my  mind  the  idea  of  another  Golden  Age. 

A  short  time  previous  to  the  arrival  of  William  Penn,  in  1699,  the 
city  of  Philadelphia  had  been  visited  by  that  dreadful  calamity  the 
yellow  fever,  which  carried  off  a  great  many  of  the  inhabitants.  The 
following  extract  of  a  letter  from  Isaac  Norris,  sent  to  his  friend  Jona- 
than Dickinson,  in  Jamaica,  is  inserted  here,  as  giving  some  account  of 
their  situation  at  that  tirae.^  **In  my  last  I  advised  something  of  it 
being  sickly  here,  which  affliction  it  has  pleased  the  Almighty  and  All- 
wise  God  still  to  continue  very  sorely  upon  us,  which  causes  many  to  bow 
before  him.  There  is  not  a  day  nor  a  night  has  passed  for  several  weeks 
but  we  have  the  account  of  the  death  or  sickness  of  some  friend  or 
neighbor.  It  hath  been  sometimes  very  sickly,  but  I  never  before 
knew  it  so  mortal  as  now." 

' '  About  ten  days  ago,  there  was  reckoned  nine  persons  lay  dead  at 

1  Leed's  Almanac,  printed  by  Wm.  Bradford  at  New  York,  in  1694,  has  the  fol- 
lowing note  among  the  memorabilia  for  October:  "'Tis  now  eleven  years  since 
Andrew  Griscom  built  the  first  (brick)  house  in  Philadelphia.  Charles  Thomson, 
Esq  ,  now  living,  says  he  was  one  of  a  committee  appointed  to  number  them,  when 
they  amounted  to  fifteen  hundred."  —  L. 

Ivii 


Iviii  INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS. 

the  same  time,  and  I  think  seven  or  eight  this  day  lay  dead  together. 
I  cannot  reckon  at  this  juncture  all  to  thee :  my  last  advised  of  several 
of  our  friends.  The  last  then  interred  was  Abraham  Hardiman  ;  '  since 
which  we  have  buried  of  our  friends,  Hester  Hoskins,  George  Fox, 
Thomas  and  Sarah  Smith,  and  their  son  Nathaniel  Harden,  William 
AUoway,  John  Lephton,  Deborah  and  Nathaniel  Dean,  William  Trot- 
ter, Robert  Jones,  wife,  son,  Daniel  Smith,  Stephen  Colman,  and 
many  others,  among  whom  is  Matthew  Pidgeon,  Ann  Coxe,  Thomas 
Jobson,  Hugh  Hall,  William  Douglass,  wife,  both  buried  to-day, 
Edward  Robeson,  and  Daniel  Cook,  and  wife,  with  many  others." 

"Thomas  Clayton,  minister  of  the  Church  of  England,  died  at  Sas- 
safras, in  Maryland,  and  here  is  another  from  London  in  his  room, 
happened  to  come  very  opportunely." 

"Aaron  Atkins  lays  ill,  but,  we  hope,  on  recovery,  though  very  few 
recover.  Thomas  Rich,  and  my  ingenious  Robert  Tate,  I  think  will 
hardly  either  live  till  morning  —  our  dear  friends  Thomas  Duckett 
with  wife  and  daughter  all  ill  —  so  is  Elizabeth  Martin,  Richard  Gove, 
and  wife,  William  Hanwood,  Mary  Grey,  and  several  others.  James 
Dilworth  died  on  7th-day  last." 

"Roger  Gill,  Thomas  Story,  and  Samuel  Jennings,  all  came  to  Bur- 
lington from  the  eastward,  last  yth-day;  and  poor  Roger,  hearing  of 
our  deep  affliction,  could  not  be  easy  until  he  saw  us,  was  yesterday 
and  this  day  (being  a  youth's  meeting)  here,  and  the  Lord  was  with  us 
very  sweetly  and  powerfully;  and  this  sweetens  all,  that  we  feel  the 
Almighty  still  near  us,  to  our  souls'  comfort  in  our  meetings,  if  we  truly 
and  humbly  seek  his  face.  I  must  say,  it  has  been,  and  is,  my  great 
comfort  under  all." 

"All  business  and  trade  down."  (Dated  Philadelphia,  nth  yth-mo., 
1699.) 

A  postscript  to  the  letter  says:  "  This  is  quite  the  Barbadoes  distem- 
per; they  void  and  vomit  blood." 

"  This  has  been,  about  harvest  time,  the  hottest  summer  I  ever  felt: 
several  died  in  the  field  with  the  violence  of  the  heat  —  the  harvest 
generally  well  got  in."  —  I.  N. 

Some  further  extracts  respecting  the  state  of  things  in  Philadelphia 
about  that  time : 

"We  have  four  men  in  prison,  taken  up  as  pirates,  supposed  to  be 

1  His  daughter,  Deborah  Claypoole,  lived  to  a  great  age.  I  have  seen  and  con- 
versed with  her  in  my  early  youth,  who  could  remember  the  city  when  trees  and 
bushes  were  yet  remaining  uncleared  in  Market  and  Front  Streets,  at  the  corner  where 
the  Old  Cofiee  House  stood.     She  was  upward  of  90  when  she  died.  —  L. 


INTRODUCTORV  REMARKS.  lix 

Kidd's  men.  Shelley,  of  York,  has  brought  to  these  parts  some  scores 
of  them  ;  and  there  is  sharp  looking  out  to  take  them.  We  have 
various  reports  of  their  riches,  and  money  hid  between  this  and  the 
Capes.  There  was  landed  about  twenty  men,  as  we  understand,  at 
each  cape,  and  several  gone  to  York. 

A  sloop  has  been  seen  cruising  off  the  capes  for  a  considerable  time, 
but  has  not  meddled  with  any  vessel  as  yet,  though  she  has  spoke  with 
several." 

24///  dth-nw.,  1699. 

"This  day  arrived  the  Britannia  from  Liverpool  with  passengers. 
She  brought  out  about  200,  but  being  13  weeks  at  sea,  has  lost  about 
50,  and  many  now  very  sick  and  weak.  Our  dear  friend  Thomas 
Murgrave  died  about  a  fortnight  ago :  his  poor  disconsolate  widow  and 
her  four  children  are  left  on  shore  at  Elsinborough."  ' 

A  price  current  is  annexed,  which  says :  "Muscovado  sugar  at  65  j-.  to 
70,  and  now  scarce,  tho'  you  know  a  little  serves  this  place,  when  'tis 
too  dear  to  ship  off  again." 

Philadelphia,  15///  Xbr.,  1699. 

"Last  first-day  our  proprietor  arrived  with  his  wife  and  family,  all 
well.  He  is  hearty  and  hale,  received  with  much  joy  by  the  major  and 
better  part  of  the  inhabitants." 

"The  same  day  arrived  Captain  Cooper,  with  120  passengers,  from 
Bristol,  all  welL" 

"  We  have  had  this  year  7  ships  from  England,  some  of  them  300 
tuns." 

Same  date. 

Speaking  of  the  sale  of  some  merchandise  which  he  hoped  would 
be  better  effected  "when  this  great  cry  of  extreme  plenty  would  be 
over,  for  we  never  had  such  a  quantity  of  goods  in  one  year  since  I 
knew  the  country." 

"  Our  place  through  great  mercy  very  healthy  again,  and  an  extra- 
ordinary moderate  and  open  fall."  Isaac  Norris. 

*  [So  called  after  the  Swedish  fort  "  Elsinboro',"  which  stood  at  or  near  the  mouth 
of  Salem  Creek,  N.  J.  —  Editor.] 


Penn  and  Logan  Correspondence. 


Copy  of  a  Petition  from  Conodahto,  King  of  the  Susque- 
hanna OR  Conostogo  Indians,  and  of  Mecallona,  King  of 
THE  Shawnees,  against  Sylvester  Garland,  Jonas  Askin, 
and  James  Reed.^ 

To  the  Right  Honorable  William  Penn,  Proprietor  and  Governor  of 
the  Province  and  Territories  of  Pennsylvania,  the  humble  petition 
of  Conodahto,  Kijig  of  the  Susquehanna  Indians,  and  Mecallona, 
King  of  the  Gavino  Indians,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  their 
people,  humbly  showeth : 

THAT,  last  fall,  four  strange  Indians  came,  from  the  north- 
ward, amongst  them ;  and  which  they  did  suppose,  from 
their  clothing,  to  have  been  servants  to  some  Christians  ;  and  the 
said  Mecallona,  coming  to  discourse  with  them,  found  one  woman, 
with  her  son,  to  be  nearly  related  to  the  King  of  the  Naked 

^  [It  does  not  appear  what  action  was  had  upon  this  petition.  The 
Colonial  Records  do  not  mention  the  name  of  Reed  or  Askin.  This 
distinction  is  reserved  for  Sylvester  Garland.  He  was  from  Newcastle, 
and,  at  a  time  subsequent  to  the  date  of  this  petition,  (in  September, 
1 701,)  was  arrested,  and  brought  before  the  Council,  upon  the  com- 
plaint of  another  chief  of  the  Shawnees,  for  having  brought  to  the 
settlement  several  anchors  of  rum;  and,  pretending,  as  before,  "that 
he  was  sent  by  Penn,  he  gave  one  cask  as  a  present  from  the  governor, 
upon  which,  being  entreated  to  drink,  they  were  afterwards  much 
abused."  Garland  was  discharged,  upon  giving  his  bond  that  he 
would  "neither  sell  or  barter  any  strong  liquor  to  the  Indians  at  any 
Indian  town  or  other  place  in  the  woods."  The  prevention  of  the 
abuse  of  this  traffic  was  one  of  the  earliest  subjects  of  provincial  legis- 
lation ;  and  then  and  since,  and  here  as  elsewhere,  the  most  prolific 
source  of  difficulty  with  the  unfortunate  race. — Editor.] 


2  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

Indians,  and  he  took  her  home  to  his  house,  and  kindly  enter- 
tained her  and  her  son,  intending,  with  the  first  opportunity,  to 
redeem  her  from  her  master,  and  return  her  and  her  child  safe 
to  her  relations,  hoping  thereby  to  settle  a  lasting  peace  with 
the  said  Naked  Indians,  which  might  have  been  of  great  im- 
portance to  the  petitioners,  as  well  as  the  inhabitants  of  this 
government,  they  being  a  powerful  nation ;  and  hath  often 
molested  these  petitioners,  as  well  in  their  towns  at  Susque- 
hanna, as  in  their  hunting-quarters  —  these  petitioners  being 
the  frontier  inhabitants  of  this  government.  Now,  so  it  is,  that, 
last  winter,  came  Sylvester  Garland  and  Jonas  Askin  to  the 
petitioners,  and  produced  a  paper  with  a  large  seal,  and  pre- 
tended it  was  a  warrant  from  the  governor,  for  to  require  them 
to  deliver  the  said  Indians ;  but  Mecallona,  one  of  these  peti- 
tioners, not  believing  the  same  to  be  true,  refused  to  deliver  the 
said  Indians.  Nevertheless,  the  said  Garland  and  Askin,  about  ten 
days  after,  came  again,  along  with  James  Reed,  and  then  pro- 
duced another  paper  with  a  large  seal,  and  again  demanded  the 
said  Indians  in  "the  governor's  name,  and  affirmed  that  the  said 
Reed  was  the  next  man  to  the  governor ;  and,  to  confirm  the 
same,  the  said  Reed  put  off  his  wig,  and  said :  "  You  may  see, 
by  this,  I  am  a  great  man,  for  that  I  have  two  heads."  Never- 
theless, one  of  the  petitioners,  Mecallona,  did  not  believe  them, 
nor  give  credit  to  their  words,  still  believing  all  that  they  said 
to  be  false  pretences,  and  all  for  the  love  of  gain,  and  still  refus- 
ing to  deliver  up  the  said  Indians,  for  the  same  reasons.  Where- 
upon, the  said  Sylvester,  Reed,  and  Askin  threatened  the  said 
petitioners  that  they  would  return,  and  come  again  with  six 
hundred  men,  and  cut  off  these  petitioners,  with  all  their  families, 
for  that  they  had  refused  to  obey  the  governor's  order,  and  the 
demand  of  him  by  Reed,  his  second  man  in  the  government, 
which  put  this  petitioner,  Mecallona,  in  such  fear  that  he  deliv- 
ered up  to  them  the  Indians  that  were  with  him. 

Conodahto,  King  of  the  Susquehanna  Indians,  complains  that, 
he  and  all  his  men  being  abroad,  Sylvester  Garland  came  to  his 
town,  and  demanded  the  two  Indians  that  were  in  his  custody, 
and  said  they  were  his  servants ;  but  the  women  answering  him 
that  they  did  not  believe  him,  and  for  that  reason  would  not 


I700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  3 

deliver  them,  the  said  Sylvester  threatened  that  he  would  bring 
forty  men,  and  carry  them  all  away,  and  make  servants  of  them 
all ;  then,  riding  away  in  great  fury,  two  of  the  Indian  dogs 
followed  him,  which  dogs  he  shot  dead,  upon  the  place,  with 
pistols,  to  the  great  terror  of  the  women ;  and,  about  ten  days 
after,  returned  with  James  Reed,  and  said  that  man  was  their 
master,  which  he,  the  said  Reed,  affirmed,  and  said  he  had  paid 
much  money  for  them,  and  laid  down  several  match-coats,  which 
he  said  he  would  give  them  for  taking  them  up ;  but  the  women, 
not  believing  that  the  said  Reed  was  their  true  master,  refused 
to  deliver  them,  and  conveyed  the  woman  away;  whereupon, 
the  said  Garland  laid  hold  on  one  of  the  chief  of  the  women 
with  violent  hands,  and  threatened  to  carry  her  away  and  make 
her  a  servant,  which,  being  put  in  great  fear,  she  was  forced  to 
do,  although  they  had  great  cause  to  believe  she  did  not  belong 
to  them ;  all  which  deportment  and  threatenings  hath  put  these 
petitioners  and  their  people  into  such  fear  that,  ever  since,  they 
have  been  wholly  unsettled,  and  have  not  made,  to  this  day,  any 
preparation  for  planting  their  corn,  but  have  continued  in  a  mov- 
ing posture,  in  fear  of  being  cut  off,  and  that  without  any  just 
cause  given  by  them.  But,  having  been  faithfully  informed  of 
the  governor's  love,  good  will,  and  favor,  towards  the  rest  of 
the  inhabitants  of  this  government,  as  well  Indians  as  Christians, 
have  reason  to  hope  to  receive  at  least  an  equal  share  of  favor 
and  protection  under  him  as  the  rest  of  our  brethren ;  and,  with 
that  confidence,  pray  that  it  may  please  the  governor  to  accept 
of  us  as  his  true  friends,  and  afford  us  future  relief  and  protec- 
tion, as  true  subjects  and  faithful  friends  may  reasonably  expect 
from  so  honorable  and  virtuous  a  governor  as  thy  actions  hath 
hitherto  proclaimed  thee,  and  therein  shall  forever  command  us. 
Thy  true  servants,  and  faithful  friends, 

CoNODAHTO,       X        his       X        mark. 
The  mark     *^*     of    *^*     Mecallona. 

Dated  at  Brandywine, 
ist  id-mo.,  1700. 


4  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

Isaac  Norris  to  Philip  Ford.' 

13///  ^th-m>.,  1700. 
Our  assembly,  after  a  monthly  sitting  and  hot 
debate,  broke  up,  and  did  little  more  than  deliver  up  and  vote 
out  the  charter.  A  bill  was  prepared  to  give  our  governor  three 
pounds  tax,  but  opposed  and  voted  out  —  I  think,  very  un- 
handsomely. They  have  given  him,  indeed,  an  impost  upon 
liquors,  which  some  of  them  magnify  to  ;^IC)00  per  annum, 
because  they  would  seem  to  come  off  with  flying  colors ;  but  I 
do  not  think  it  worth  one  half  the  money.  Experience  will 
show. 


William  Penn-  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,'^  23</5//^-;«^.,  1700. 
I  have  thine  with  another.    I  am  concerned  my  leg  is  so  little 
encouraging  for  a  journey,  and  John  is  not  here  to  mow;  how- 

>  [From  the  Norris  MSS. — Editor.] 

'■^  [Pennsbury  House  was  built,  in  the  manor  of  that  name,  upon  a 
bend  of  the  River  Delaware,  and  about  eight  miles  northeast  of  Bristol, 
Bucks  County,  being  the  easternmost  point  of  Pennsylvania.  The  land 
was  of  excellent  quality,  and  the  situation  exceedingly  pleasant.  The 
house  was  standing  since  my  memory,  and  some  of  the  old  furniture 
in  it,  though  in  a  very  neglected  and  decayed  condition.  For  a  long 
time,  an  apartment  was  kept  there  for  the  agent  of  the  family  when  lie 
visited  the  estate,  and  he  described  the  beds  and  linen  as  having  been 
excellent.  When  I  was  a  child,  I  remember  going  with  my  mother  to 
visit  one  of  her  friends  who  had  made  a  pilgrimage  to  Pennsbury,  and 
had  brought  away,  as  a  relic,  a  piece  of  the  old  bed-spread  from  the 
house,  which  was  then  standing.  It  was  of  holland,  and  closely 
wrought  with  the  needle,  in  a  small  pattern,  with  green  silk,  and  was 
said  to  have  been  the  work  of  William  Penn's  daughter,  Letitia.  Some 
years  afterwards,  during  the  Revolutionary  War,  a  person  of  my  ac- 
quaintance was  there  when  the  house  had  fallen  in,  and  was  in  ruins,  a 
hedge  pear-tree  growing  among  them.  I  have  since  seen  the  situation, 
but  nothing  of  the  mansion  remained,  the  materials  having  been  taken 
away;  an  old  malt-house  and  some  other  out-buildings  still  remained  ; 
also  an  avenue  of  walnut-trees,  planted  along  the  road.  There  are 
beautiful  islands  in  the  river,  which  here  makes  a  considerable  bend. 
I  thought  the  situation  very  agreeable.  The  mansion  was  represented 
as  having  been  large  and  handsome  for  the  time  in  which  it  was  built ; 
the  frames  and  other  work  were  brought  from  England.  The  roof 
was  of  lead,  and  probably  supplied  a  leaden  cistern ;  from  which  cir- 


I700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  5 

ever,  I  purpose  to  be  in  town,  if  I  can,  to-morrow ;  if  not  able 
to  be  there  by  5,  afternoon,  must  submit  to  Providence,  and 
desire  4  of  the  Council,  the  collector,  and  minutes  and  wit- 
nesses to  come  hither,  which  they  may  do  by  my  barge,  which 
I  will  send  to  Burlington  for  them,  where  they  may  come  in  a 
Burlington  boat  to-morrow  by  12,  and  be  here  by  two.  How- 
ever, let  John  have  the  coach  ready,  and  horses  to  put  in  it,  that, 
if  I  come,  I  may  be  helped  home.  I  accept  of  Ann  P.'s  care 
and  love.  Salute  me  to  the  commissioners,  and  council,  and 
friends.  We  are  else  well,  and  pleased  in  our  retreat.  I  took 
sal.  viirabl.  to-day  and  yesterday.     Vale.  W.  P. 

Half  the  five  gallons  of  rum  ran  out,  at  Philadelphia,  in  the 
boat,  as  they  say.  If  I  am  not  with  you  to-morrow,  by  eleven 
or  five,  let  the  Indians  come  hither ;  but  send,  in  the  boat,  white 
bread,  more  rum,  the  match-coats.  Let  the  council  adjourn  to 
this  place.  If  I  come  not,  here  will  be  victuals,  and  they  may 
lie  at  Burlington.     I  wrote  part  of  this  upon  the  bed. 


Hannah  Penn  to  James  Logan.^ 

Philadelphia,  2d  dth-mo.,  1700. 
Thou  wilt  by  this  time  have  mine  of  yesternight,  and  although 
John  tells  my  husband  of  bricks  prepared  by  I.  Redman,  yet  he 

cumstance,  doubtless,  arose  the  tradition,  which  I  remember  to  have 
heard,  that  there  was  a  fish-pond  at  the  top  of  the  house.  The  garden 
was  large,  and  laid  out  with  parterres  and  good  fruit-trees. — L. 

'  [This  letter  is  one  of  a  series  from  the  wife  of  the  Proprietary,  which 
treats  of  domestic  concerns,  and  which  Mrs.  Logan  has  seen  fit  to  ad- 
mit into  the  collection.  Although  some  of  the  matters  mentioned 
may  at  first  glance  appear  trivial,  yet  the  reader,  we  think,  will  upon 
reflection  agree  with  Mrs.  Logan  in  her  opinion  expressed  in  a  subse- 
quent note,  where  she  resents  the  criticism  of  a  friend  who  thought 
some  of  the  topics  named  too  homely  for  publication. 

The  correspondence  presents  an  interesting  picture  of  the  times,  and 
of  the  daily  cares  and  duties  incident  to  a  life,  one  hundred  and  seventy 
years  ago,  in  a  comparative  wilderness. 

Penn  was  deeply  attached  to  his  first  wife,  and  never  ceased  to 
cherish  her  memory.  No  choice  could  therefore  have  been  happier 
than  when  for  a  second  marriage  he  selected  Hannah,  the  daughter  of 
Thomas  Callowhill.  Gentle,  practical,  sensible,  sagacious,  and  af- 
fectionate, she  trained  her  children  with  tenderness  and  wisdom,  and 


6  PENN    AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

inclines  to  let  E.  James  finish  the  room  which  his  men  have 
begun,  by  which  time  he  will  have  worked  up  the  stuff  already 
here,  and  may  be  dismissed  with  less  exception,  so  that  I.  Red- 
man's son  may  come  back  with  my  husband,  time  enough  for 
the  work  that  remains  to  be  done,  and  by  that  time  he  may  get 
lime  also;  as  for  bricks,  let  him  get  no  more  than  he  has  already 
bespoke,  for  my  husband  is  informed  he  may  have  these  of  a 
new  maker  at  Burlington,  a  crown  a  thousand  cheaper,  and  as 
much  better,  besides  less  charge  in  bringing.  We  are  much  con- 
cerned that  John  has  forgot  Lucy ;  pray  let  Jane  Streeter  take 
care  of  her. 

There  is  a  gallon  of  linseed  oil  more  wanting,  and  three  of 
grain  oil,  which  it  seems  will  serve  to  use  without  doors ;  my 
husband  says  he  has  it  of  his  own.  We  are  concerned  to  hear 
thou  art  not  well  —  would  have  thee  to  take  care  of  thyself 

Send  the  deal  boards  without  fail  from  John  Parson's,  to 
Samuel  Jennings  at  Burlington.  Nothing  else  at  present  from 
thy  friend,  H.  Penn. 

Superscribed  to  James  Logan,  Secretary  to  the  Governor  of 
Pennsylvania,  Philadelphia. 


Hannah  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

My  husband's  dissatisfaction  with  E.  James  is,  that  he  's  too 
much  a  gentleman,  for  he  told  Wm.  Corker,  with  great  dis- 
pleasure, that  he  admired  at  his  choice  in  bringing  such  an  one, 
that  must  have  two  servants  to  such  a  job  of  work ;  that  one 
good  workman  had  been  sufficient,  and  would  have  finished  all 
there  is,  with  half  the  charge  that  he  has  already  put  him  to ; 
he  is  astonished  at  his  desire  of  ten  pounds  in  part,  having  had 
eight  pounds  before,  and  the  whole  work,  bricks  and  all,  seem 
not  worth  so  much  ;  he  's  ready  to  forbid  his  coming. again,  but 
yet,  since  his  man  by  his  order  has  begun  in  my  husband's 
absence  to  take  away  the  ground  joining  of  the   out-house, 

when  in  his  declining  years  the  mind  of  her  husband  was  darkened 
by  a  cloud  nevea-  to  be  dispelled,  assumed  the  entire  charge  of  his 
public  and  private  affairs.  — Editor.] 


I/OO.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  7 

which  we  much  want  to  have  done,  my  husband  would  have  him 
come  on  second-day  without  fail,  because  he  intends  to  go  hence 
again  third  morning. 

We  expect  John  Sotcher^  to-morrow:  if  he  brings  Lucy,  't  is 
well;  if  not,  let  her  be  kindly  used  till  my  husband's  return, 
which  he  intends  on  second-day  or  third  morning;  but  if  thou 
hear  of  any  demur,  or  that  the  Indians  are  not  like  to  be  there 
third-day,  send  an  express  hither  on  second-day,  and  pray  send 
by  the  first  boat  the  deal  boards  from  John  Parsons,  and  our 
dog-wheel,^  not  else;  but  desire  thou  wilt  let  me  hear  of  all 
opportunities  for  England,  and  of  any  considerable  news  thence; 
which  will  be  kindly  taken  by  thy 

Lo:  friend,  Hannah  Penn. 

We  are  all  indifferent  well.  Let  not  Jack^  go  till  the 
Indians  have  been  there;  and  get  indian  meal  for  mush  against 
they  come.     Pray  send  a  pound  or  two  of  chocolate,  if  to  be  had. 

Pennsbury,  2d6th-f?w.,  1700. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  6th  'jfh-mo.,  1700. 
James  : — I  have,  and  my  wife,  thine  ;  and  meeting  them  five 
miles  from  this  place,  returned.  I  only  repent  my  return  for 
W.  Clark's  sake,  and  partly  that  I  missed  T.  Fairman:  the  first  I 
would  see  and  authorize  to  receive  my  rents,  and  bills  for  what 
cannot  be  had,  for  Kent  and  Sussex ;  and  T.  Fairman,  for  that  I 
hear  an  Indian  township  called  Tohickon,*  rich  land,  and  much 
cleared  by  the  Indians,  he  has  not  surveyed  to  mine  and  chil- 
dren's tract,  as  I  expected.  It  joins  upon  the  back  of  my  manor 
of  Highlands,  and  I  am  sorry  my  surveyor-general  did  not  in- 

*  Served  the  proprietor  in  many  capacities,  and  was  afterward  left  in 
the  care  of  Pennsbury.  He  was  a  faithful  servant  and  a  respectable 
man.  In  1722,  he  was  chosen  to  represent  the  county  of  Bucks  in  the 
Assembly  of  the  Province. — L. 

^  A  wheel  in  a  box,  to  roast  meat ;  a  turnspit  dog  performed  the 
office. —  L. 

*The  cook,  as  I  suppose,  who  would  be  much  wanted  for  such 
visitors. ^ — L. 

'  [In  the  county  of  Bucks. — Editor.] 


8  PENNANDLOGAN  [17OO. 

form  me  thereof,  for  which  cause  he  shall  never  survey  a  foot 
more ;  but  I  will  know  where  and  what,  by  him  or  his  deputies. 
I  feared  a  surprise,  told  him  so,  and  now  find  it  to  my  great 
dissatisfaction ;  but  for  the  future  shall  prevent  it.  If  it  be  not 
in  thy  warrants,  put  it  in,  except  lands  already  or  formerly  taken 
up,  or  an  Indian  township.  The  Indians  have  been  with  me 
about  it. 

Next,  pray  speak  for  3000  or  4  of  bricks,  and  tell  I.  Parsons 
I  expect  his  150  foot  of  boards  three  months  sooner,  and  pay 
for  them.  Also  a  load  or  30  bushels  of  lime,  and  let  them  be 
ready  by  6th  night  if  possible,  to  be  here  by  the  flat  on  7th 
day,  or  2d  day,  and  two  of  my  folks  shall  come  in  the  little  boat 
to  bring  it  up.  One  of  the  boys  of  Ed.  James  has  left  him, 
the  best ;  so  the  charge  is  not  so  great,  and  he  will  work  up 
his  stuff  to-night  or  to-morrow,  and  I  then  think  to  dismiss 
him.  I.  Redson  may  come  up,  if  the  flat  brings  up  brick  and 
lime,  2d  or  3d  day  at  furthest. 

Fail  not  to  send  up  a  flitch  of  our  bacon,  and  by  all  means 
chocolate,  if  to  be  had,  and  a  cask  of  middling  flour,  from  Samuel 
Carpenter  or  I.  Norris,  and  some  coffee-berries,*  four  lbs.  Some 
flat  and  some  deep  earthen  pans  for  milk  and  baking,  which 
Betty  Webb  can  help  thee  to,  and  cask  of  Indian  meal ;  search 
Lumbey's  goods,  search  for  an  ordinary  side-saddle  and  pillion, 
and  some  coarse  linen  for  towels. 

We  are  as  well  as  the  heat  will  let  us,  but  my  leg  still  out 
of  order  and  swelled  still  about  my  ankle. 

I  shall  be  glad  to  see  William  Clark ;  but  for  fear  not,  shall 
send  by  the  boat  an  order,  or  letter,  or  commission  to  that  effect. 

I  could  be  glad  twenty  boards  more  might  be  had  to  come 
with  the  flat ;  if  not  so  dry,  forty  green  rather  than  none. 

*  A  great  rarity  at  that  time,  though  now  in  such  general  use ;  it 
was  then  all  brought  from  Arabia.  Witsen,  Governor  of  Batavia,  pro- 
cured seed  from  Mocha,  and  raised  plants  from  them  in  1690;  and  in 
1 714,  the  magistrates  of  Amsterdam  sent  Louis  XIV.  the  present  of  a 
plant  with  flowers  and  fruit,  in  a  curious  machine  covered  with  glass ; 
and  in  1714,  the  Dutch  colony  at  Surinam  first  began  to  plant  coffee;* 
the  French  in  Martinico  not  till  1727.  —  L. 

*  [It  is  said  to  have  been  first  used  in  England  in  1652,  and  in  France  in 
1699.     See  EncyclopiEdia  Americana.  —  Editor.] 


I700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  9 

Pray  examine  closely  about  those  that  fired  upon  the  Indians, 
and  frighted  them  by  Dan.  Pegg's,'  it  is  of  moment  to  us,  and 
if  true,  roguishly  designed,  I  doubt  not,  and  shall  be  severely 
punished. 

Send  six  ounces  of  oil  of  turpentine,  unless  dear;  then,  three. 

Captain  Hans  stays:  we  have  adjusted  the  matter.  Encourage 
Helcoquean,  and  give  him  ten  bits  to  fetch  down  the  Indians, 
if  they  desire;  else  not,  assure  them  of  friendship.     Vale. 

W.  P. 

I  had  Governor  Guy's  obliging  letter. 

I  have  sent  W.  Clark's  order  about  accounting  with  Kent  and 
Sussex  as  to  what  rents  are  payable,  to  receive  what  is  due  in 
good  coin  or  bills,  which  give  him  for  that  purpose. 

Let  us  have  four  dozen  of  square  hearth  tiles,  with  the  rest 
of  the  things.     Vale.  W.  Penn. 

Let  me  know  the  last  day  of  John  Askew's"  stay ;  also,  if  they 
will  take  a  couple  of  young  tame  foxes. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

The  22d day  0/ 6th  mo.,  1700. 
Draw  a  warrant  for  the  laying  out  of  500  acres  of  land  to 
Martha  Hatton,  the  daughter  of  William  Hatton,  deceased,  in 
right  of  James  Harrison,  that  it  may  be  ready  for  me  to  sign 
when  I  come  down.  Put  into  all  warrants  for  townships,  when 
laid  out  to  be  of  land  never  surveyed  before,  and  next  adjoining 
to  former  townships,  adding:  "He  taking  out  his  patent  for  the 
same  within  three  months  after  the  return  made  into  thy  office." 
Take  care  also  that  I  have  500  acres  in  every  township  that  is 

^  In  the  Northern  Liberties,  where  his  estate  lay.  Pegg's  Run  was 
named  from  him.  — L. 

[This  was  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Front  and  Willow  Streets. 
Pegg's  Run  flows  through  a  culvert  along  thd  line  at  Willow  Street.  — 
Editor.] 

'^  John  Askew  was  a  merchant  of  considerable  account  in  London  ;  he 
transacted  much  business  with  my  grandfather,  Isaac  Norris,  also  with 
James  Logan,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  and  with  the  most  respectable 
merchants  here;  he  was  in  this  country  at  the  time  of  the  Proprietor's 
arrival.  — L. 


10  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

laid  out,  and  that  the  surveyor  do  me  right  therein.  Forget  not 
the  black  walnut;  and  ask  Captain  Hill  about  a  carpenter. 
Samuel  Jennings  has  bought  two;  I  would  have  liked  to  have 
had  one  of  them ;  three  months'  pay  for  one  would  purchase  one; 
or  a  joiner,  if  sober. 

Send  me  up  one  of  Samuel  Carpenter's  compasses  for  the 
woods,  to  steer  by  and  take  courses,  by  the  first  opportunity. 
Urge  the  justices  about  the  bridge  at  Pemepecka  and  Poquessin, 
forthwith  for  a  carriage,  or  I  cannot  come  to  town.  I.  Redson 
would  be  expeditious  in  it,  if  pressed  as  from  me.  I  hope  you 
all  got  well  home. 

Vale.  William  Penn. 


Hannah  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury. 

James:  —  If  the  Swiss  captain  be  uneasy  to  stay  till  next  week, 
fail  not  to  accompany  him  fourth  or  fifth  day;  but  you  must  de- 
pend on  nothing  here  but  a  dinner,  and  return  to  Buckingham' 
or  Burlington  at  night,  because  of  company  in  the  house.  En- 
deavor to  inform  thyself  of  his  inclination,  and  if  practicable 
encourage  it;  if  not,  qualify  it;  for  R.  Hill  having  broke  engage- 
ments with  him,  which  is  not  to  be  palliated  with  one  that 
knows  the  world  so  well,  without  making  the  fault  wider,  makes 
my  husband  the  more  solicitous  to  have  him  pleased. 

And  endeavor  to  get  a  passage  for  the  black  walnuts  in  John 
Askew's  ship,  instead  of  ballast,  or  at  any  tolerable  rate.  Let 
Edward  Shippen  know  his  daughters  are  well,  and  shall  come  in 
our  boat  with  John  to-morrow  or  next  day. 

Vale.  Thy  Friend.  H.  P.  ^ 

'  [The  ancient  name  of  Bristol,  Bucks,  Pa. — Editor.] 
'  Note  by  Mrs.  Logan: — I  have  been  a  little  hurt  and  disappointed 
at  the  slighting  and  inelegant  manner  in  which  my  friend  Watson,  in  his 
"Annals,"  mentions  these  notes  of  the  Proprietor  and  his  amiable 
wife,  written  from  Pennsbury  to  James  Logan :  for  my  own  part,  I  am 
glad  they  have  been  preserved.*     They  have  afforded  me  a  panorama 

*  [Mr.  Watson  made  ample  amends  in  his  Annals  for  the  comments  which  Mrs. 
Logan  has  taken  occasion  to  censure.  He  constantly  acknowledges  his  obligations 
to  her  for  valuable  information,  and  speaks  in  terms  of  fully  warranted  praise  of  her 
remarkable  knowledge  of  the  early  history  of  affairs.  1— Editor.] 


I^OO.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  II 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan 

Pennsbury,  list  6th  mo.,  1700. 
Take  of  the  bearer  his  penal  bond  to  pay  me  five  pounds 
in  two  or  three  months'  time ;  and  write  to  the  magistrates  of 
Newcastle  that  he  has  given  security  to  the  Proprietor  to  pay 

of  life  and  housekeeping,  incident  to  a  new  settlement,  to  be  found  as 
I  know  nowhere  else.  And  the  mixture  of  affairs  of  government  with 
the  mention  of  domestic  wants  and  economy  is  perfectly  natural,  and 
would  necessarily  occur  to  persons  in  their  situation.  "Building  in  the 
wilderness,  founding  and  governing  an  infant  colony,"  without  the 
appliances  and  means  which  are  now  easily  procured  by  the  remote 
settlers  in  our  Western  country,  was  a  formidable  undertaking.  This 
tracing  the  history  of  the  past,  and  contrasting  it  with  that  of  the  present, 
produces  in  me  a  feeling  akin  to  that  which  must  attend  the  ekplora- 
tion  of  the  fountains  of  some  beautiful  and  majestic  stream,  such  as 
Bruce  may  have  experienced  at  the  sources  of  the  Nile — a  scene,  not  of 
grandeur,  but  of  freshness  and  verdure.  The  soldier  who  stepped 
across  the  Missouri  was  gratified  that  at  length  he  could  do  it.  And 
the  antiquary,  I  should  think,  would  in  like  manner  feel  a  recreation  in 
contemplating  the  building  of  Pennsbury,  and  seeing  in  fancy  the 
venerable  founder  there,  in  the  midst  of  his  numerous  occupations.  A 
traditionary  account,  heard  in  my  youth  from  an  aged  woman,  an  in- 
habitant of  the  county  of  Bucks,  has  just  now  occurred  to  my  memory. 
She  went,  when  a  girl,  with  a  basket  containing  a  rural  present,  to  the 
Proprietor's  mansion,  and  saw  his  wife,  a  delicate  and  pretty  woman, 
sitting  beside  the  cradle  of  her  infant.*  Oh  that  a  plan  only  of  the 
house  had  been  preserved  ! 

An  incidental  mention  of  things,  apparently  unintentional,  often 
serves  to  explain  others ;  as  the  bringing  butter  and  other  things  from 
Rhode  Island  explains  the  source  of  many  supplies  to  the  infant  colony, 
and  I  had  hoped  the  note  annexed  to  the  mention  of  coffee-berries, 
showing  how  lately  the  use  of  that  beverage  had  then  been  introduced 
into  Europe  itself,  would  have  prevented  surprise  at  the  question,  "  If 
to  be  had  in  town."  The  Dutch  did  not  begin  to  raise  coffee  at 
Surinam  until  17 14:  all  that  was  then  used  was  imported  from  Arabia. 

The  rapid  view  which  the  mind  takes  of  things  has  hurried  me 
through  the  space  between  the  time  of  writing  this  note  and  that  of  my 
copying  it.  The  vast  and  rapid  extension  of  our  commerce  during  that 
period,  makes  me  desirous  of  stating  a  fact  that  few  remember;  which 
is,  that  on  the  5th  of  November,  1783,  the  first  vessel  that  sailed  from 
Philadelphia  to  the  East  Indies  was  launched.     I  have  forgotten  her 

*  John  Penn,  son  of  the  Proprietor  by  his  second  wife,  was  bom  shbrtly  after  the 
arrival  of  his  parents  in  Pennsylvania,  as  I  find  by  the  following  extract  of  a  letter : 
"  (Tuesday)  31st  nth  mo.,  1699.  Our  governor  has  a  son,  bom  last  First-clay  night, 
and  all  like  to  do  well." 


12  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

the  fine ;  upon  which  that  they  discharge  his  goods  under 
seizure,  with  commendations  of  their  care. 

I  want  a  quire  of  large  and  small  quarto  paper,  per  first  (op- 
portunity). The  fijr,  &c.,  is  come,  a  dear  voyage  by  the  boat. 
Pray,  send  the  paper  by  first,  and  let  me  know  John  Askew's 
last  day,  or  his  ship's.  If  the  foxes  be  any  inconvenience,  pray 
forbid  it,  for  I  am  indifferent  to  send  or  stay  them.' 

Stop  all  business  from  coming  hither.  Pray  inform  thyself 
well  of  the  land  bought,  or  in  treaty  for,  by  the  Swiss  captain, 
if  the  title  be  good,  and  the  price  no  extortion.  I  could  have 
been  glad  of  that  money  in  England,  for  he  has  some  in  Mat- 
thew Plumsteed's  hands.     I  have  his  letter  by  the  captain. 

We  shall  want  about  twelve  bushels  of  lime  more,  which 
send  off  first  to  Samuel  Jennings  for  me.  I.  Clement  came 
to-day,  and  very  well.  Send  up  some  pewter  buttons,  or 
brass,  for  two  coats,  also.  We  are,  through  mercy,  well.  Per 
next,  I  think,  can  the  Swiss  captain.'  If  the  bearer  behave  not 
amiss,  let  him  be  told  he  shall  have  the  fine  remitted,  of  which 
the  neighborhood  is  judge.  Joseph  Growden  presses  for  him, 
but  I  will  have  a  character  before  I  do.     Vale.         Wm.  Penn. 

Send   up  a  plumber  with  speed;    send  a  flat  ink-glass  —  a 

small  one. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Fifth  day. 

Prepare  a  nervous  proclamation  against  vice.     Also  advise 
if  one  is  not  fit  after  Snead,  who  ran  away  in  my  debt,  and,  I 


name,  but  she  was  owned  by  Robert  Morris,  and  commanded  by 
Captain  Bell.* — L. 

'  A  couple  of  young,  tame  foxes,  desired  to  be  sent  to  England,  as 
a  present  to  one  of  his  friends. — L. 

'  [Sic. — Editor.] 

*  [The  newspapers  of  the  day  do  not  mention  the  incident  here  stated  by  Mrs. 
Logan ;  nor  can  we  find  any  subsequent  reference  to  this  ship  in  the  list  of  vessels 
sailing  from  the  port  of  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Watson  (2  Annals,  339)  remarks :  "  She  "  — 
the  celebrated  frigate  Alliance —  "  was  the  second  we?,9,e\  from  Philadelphia  to  Canton  ; 
the  Canton,  Captain  Truxton,  being  the/rj/.  "  —  EorroR.] 


I700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I3 

suppose  in  other  people's.  I  intend  to  write  to  Governors 
Nicholson  and  Blackiston  about  him,  and  to  Col.  Blake,  Gov- 
ernor of  Carolina.^  Watch  the  next  English  ship  for  a  car- 
penter, bricklayer,  or  joiner,  and  get  on  board  before  they  land. 
I  should  be  glad  to  see  Gr.  Owen,  when  he  can  be  spared.  I 
owe  R.  H.  love  for  his  fine  cane.  Oil  we  have  two  gallons 
come  in  the  flat,  broad,  or  square  chest.    Vale.  W.  P. 

I  am  troubled  at  the  manner  of  A.  Bignal's  escape,  a  most 
impudent  slut. 

Didst  thou  ever  write  the  letter  to  Lumbey's  owners  ?  it  is 
very  material.  Pray  see  that  those  goods  perish  not  on  our 
hands.  Dispose  of  what  thou  canst  of  the  loose  ones.  I  think 
to  see  the  chest  when  I  come. 


Hannah  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

\_No  date  kif]  Third-day,  forenoon. 
I  have  so  long  expected  the  return  of  our  people  and 
barge,^  that  I  am  now  much  concerned  at  the  disappointment, 
and  have  sent  Sam  to  Burlington  to  inquire,  and,  if  he  hears  not 
there,  to  come  through  to  thee.  There  is  much  to  do  before  my 
husband's  return,  which  will,  if  well,  be  this  week.  If  the 
servants  had  come  as  intended,  I  thought  to  have  sent  Mary 
down  again  for  things  we  much  wanted ;  but  as  now  cannot 
send  her,  must  desire  thee  to  send  the  two  pair  of  pewter  can- 
dle-sticks, some  great  candles  which  I  bid  John  bespeak,  also 
some  green  ones,  and  a  dozen  pounds  smaller  ditto :  the  largest 
pewter  basin,  and  buy  a  new  earthen  one  to  wash  in,  also  one 
of  the  stands  to  hold  it.  Call  Betty  Webb  to  thy  assistance : 
let  her  send  two  mops  to  wash  house  with,  four  silver  salts,  and 
the  two-handle  porringer  that  is  in  my  closet,  the  looking-glass 
that  is  in  the  hall,  if  it  can  be  carefully  put  up,  the  piece  of  dried 
beef;  and  if  any  ship  with  provisions  come  from  Rhode  Island, 
I  would  have  thee  buy  a  firkin,  two  or  three,  as  price  and  worth 

'  [Nephew  of  Admiral  Blake,  and  who  died  in  this  year.  — Editor.] 

^  [The  roads  between  Pennsbury  and  Philadelphia  were  bad,  and 

the  communication  was  generally  by  a  barge  belonging  to  the  governor, 

and  known  as  the  "governor's  barge;"  frequent  reference  to  which 

will  be  found  in  these  letters. — Editor.] 


14  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

is,  of  good  butter,  also  cheese  and  candles,  etc.,  for  winter's 
Store,  if  any  such  opportunity  presents  before  our  coming  down. 
We  are  all,  through  mercy,  well  here.  My  husband  well  to 
Woodbridge;  sets  out  from  New  York  on  5th  day.  Nothing 
else,  but  my  love  to  thee  and  friends. 

I  am  thy  friend,         H.  Penn. 
P.  S.    I  believe  thou  hast  been  sometimes  too  lonely ;  mayst 
expect  they  will    fill  the  house   again  about   2d  day.     If  the 
barge  is  already  come,  send  the  things  above  mentioned  first 
to  S.  Jennings. 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsburv,  2,^  ']th  mo. ,  1 700. 

I  did  not  mean  that  a  proclamation  should  be  prepared  by 
them  for  me  to  sign,  but  to  see  a  draught  for  me  to  correct,  if  I 
thought  fit,  in  order  to  propose  in  council,  which  yet  I  would 
have  them  to  do.  I  think  to  be  in  town  the  first  fair  day,  and 
so  let  Edward  Anthill  know.  I  am  sorry  J.  Moor  knew  and  did 
not  tell  me/  but  I  fear  none  of  his  attempts.  He  is  a  great  vil- 
lain everywhere ;  he  dreaded  the  justice  of  this  government  in 
several  cases.  Prepare  a  warrant  for  Philip  Howel,  for  Liberty 
land,  for  one  thousand  acres,  in  right  of  Henry  Pawlin's  old 
purchase  of  Schuylkill  side.^  Send  up  our  great  stew-pan  and 
cover,  and  little  soup-dish,  and  two  or  three  pounds  of  coffee,  if 
sold  in  the  town,  and  three  pounds  of  wick,  ready  spun  for 
candles,  per  next  opportunity.  The  lime  may  be  kept  till  our 
men  come  up.  Lassel  is  plumber  enough  ;  but  if  thee  can  get 
Cornelius  Empson's  man,  and  he  has  tools,  send  speedily,  for 
the  house  suffers  in  great  rains  for  want  thereof  If  Lassel  dares 
undertake  mending  of  the  leads,^  per  first  (opportunity)  send 
him  up. 

Three  bundles  of  skins  that  Sol.  Ward  returned  are  in  my 

'  This  mixture  of  affairs  of  government  and  interest  with  domestic 
wants  and  orders  may  occasion,  at  this  time,  a  smile;  but  it  naturally 
arose  from  a  state  of  things  in  a  new-settled  country,  with  everything 
to  attend  to.  —  L. 

'  [The  "leads"  proved  a  constant  trouble,  and  the  leakage,  from 
their  imperfect  condition,  eventually  caused  the  destruction  of  the 
house,  which  otherwise  might  have  been  still  standing. — Editor.] 


I/OU.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  15 

chamber ;  send  one  to  Billy,^  the  others  to  my  father,  Callow- 
hill/  and  get  John  Askew  to  put  them  in  his  chest,  and  give  him 
the  enclosed  letters  also.     Vale.  W.  P.  ' 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

c^ih  Tbr.,  1700. 

This  is  the  fourth  in  two  days,  and  to  tell  John  Moor  I  would 
have  him  get  indicted  one  John  Walch  of  that  county  for  coming 
into  this  county  and  taking  hence  two  strays;  one  a  roan  mare 
and  colt,  and  the  other  a  brown  bay  gelding  —  both  four  years 
old  last  spring  or  thereabouts.  'Twas  last  4th  month.  I  have 
heard  often  ill  of  him  for  driving  horses  from  one  county  to 
another,  and  am  much  a  loser  by  such  fellows  and  practices.  It  is 
too  much  a  practice  to  think  it  no  fault  to  cheat  the  governor. 

Prepare  a  commission  for  the  bearer,  and  date  it  from  the  time 
I  ordered  him  to  pursue  his  place.     Vale.  W.  P. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

"jth  ']br.,  1700. 
Deliver  the  enclosed  to  the  magistrates,  and  tell  them  I 
desire  their  immediate  care  in  the  town  and  county,  and  to  send 
both  upwards  and  downwards  with  all  speed.  The  weather 
by  water  hinders  me.  My  leg  is  well  advanced,  and  would  not, 
throw  it  back ;  yet,  first  fair  day,  will,  God- willing,  set  forward  ; 
and  had  done  so  sooner,  if  coach  or  calash  had  been  here,  as 
the  ways  are  tolerably  cut.  I  send  also  a  package  for- Governor 
Blackiston,  which  must  be  forwarded  per  first  to  the  sheriff  of 
Newcastle,  to  transmit  with  speed.     Vale.  W.  P. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  14M  ibr.,  1700. 
James: — The  enclosed  I  have  had  a  week:  it  concerns  a  man- 
damus I  have  reason  to  hearken  to.    But  least  it  should  weaken 

*  His  son  William,  then  in  England. — L. 

^  The  Proprietor's  second  wife  was  Hannah,  the  daughter  of  Thomas 
Callowhill,  of  Bristol,  Great  Britain. — L. 


l6  FENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

my  commission  to  Jo.  Moor,  inform  thyself  of  him,  if  that  may 
not  be  done  by  Griffith  Jones  which  he  praj-s  a  mandamus  for, 
without  interfering  with  J.  Moor's  commission  ;  lose  no  time 
therein,  that  I  may  not  lose  my  money  or  lands :  I  confess  I 
think  if  J.  Moor  be  there  't  is  his  province.  By  the  bearer  thou 
mayst  write  to  Cornelius  Empson.  We  want  rum  here,  having 
not  a  quarter  of  a  pint  in  the  house  among  so  many  workmen; 
best,  in  bottles  sealed  down,  or  it  may  be  drawn  and  mixed; 
send  by  a  Burlington  boat,  except  S.  Hill  carefully  carry  it  to 
Ann  Jennings  for  us — six  quarts;  and  if  an  hogshead  of  lime 
could  be  reasonably  brought  by  any  boat  that  comes  to  the  mill 
at  Brock's,  as  Isaac  Norris,  etc.,  or  to  Burlington,  we  could  send  for 
it,  and  that  would  close  all  for  this  year,  of  that  nature,  we  think. 
Let  Jos.  Woods  ^  know  that  I  hear  Governors  Nicholson 
and  Blackiston '  intend  in  ten  days  for  Philadelphia ;  and  that 
I  would  have  him  wait  upon  them  with  a  good  number  of  persons ; 
that  he  summon  to  wait  at  the  borders  of  the  county,  and 
conduct  them  to  New  Castle,  and  thence  till  he  meets  with  the 
sheriff  of  Chester  County,  to  whom  write  to  conduct  them  to 
the  confines  of  his  charge  or  county,  where  J.  Farmer  shall 
attend  them.  Let  at  least  twenty  persons  be  ordered  for  each 
party;  and  write  to  H.  Hollingsworth  to  a  little  help  the  sheriff 
to  manage  things.  The  magistrates  of  each  place  to  give  their 
attendance,  some  to  ride  out,  some  to  receive  them  at  alighting. 
If  needful,  prepare  a  draught  of  an  order  or  letter  to  each 
county,  and  send  it  me  forthwith,  as  also  to  lodge  them,  and  im- 
mediate servants,  at  their  private  houses.  The  first  fair  day  I 
intend  down.     Vale.  W.  P. 


Part  of  a  Letter  from  James  Logan  to  William  Penn,  Jr.^ 

Philadelphia,  25//;  j/Zi  mo.,  1700. 
The  nature  of  the  Province,  its    soil    and    improvements,  I 
need  not  mention,  this  being  sufficiently  done  by  other  hands; 


'  Probably  then  sheriff  of  New  Castle  County. — L. 

'  [Francis  Nicholson,  Lieut.  Governor  of  New  England  and  New 
York,  and  Nehemiah  Blackiston,  Governor  of  Maryland. — Editor.] 

'  This  was  the  Proprietor's  only  surviving  son  by  his  first  wife, 
Gulielma  Maria.  This  young  gentleman  was  married  and  remained  in 
England;  his  wife  was  the  daughter  of  C.  Jones,  of  Bristol,  Eng. — L. 


I/OO.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  1/ 

nor  the  parties  and  factions  that  reigned  here,  thou  being,  I 
suppose,  sufificiently  acquainted  with  them;  so  shall  only  give 
some  hints  of  the  administration,  and  course  of  affairs  since  our 
arrival. 

The  highest  terms  I  could  use  would  hardly  give  you  an  idea 
of  the  expectation  and  welcome  that  thy  father  received  from 
the  most  of  the  honester  party  here.  Friends  generally  con- 
cluded that,  after  all  their  troubles  and  disappointments,  this 
province  now  scarce  wanted  anything  more  to  render  it  com- 
pletely happy.  The  faction  that  had  long  contended  to  over- 
throw the  settled  constitution  of  the  government  received  an 
universal  damp,  yet  endeavored  what  mischief  they  could  by 
speaking  whispers  that  the  Proprietary  could  not  act  as  governor 
without  the  king's  approbation,  and  taking  an  oath,  as  obliged 
by  Act  of  Parliament;  but  that  in  a  great  measure  soon  blew 
over.  Colonel  Quary,  judge,  and  John  Moor,  advocate  of  the 
Admiralty,  the  two  ringleaders,  went  down  to  the  water-side 
among  the  crowd  to  receive  the  governor  at  his  landing,  who, 
not  seeming  to  regard  the  very  submissive  welcome  they  gave 
him,  and.  taking  notice  of  an  old  acquaintance  that  stood  by 
them,  expected  nothing  but  almost  as  open  hostility  from  the 
Proprietary  as  they  were  at  before  with  Col.  Markham,  especially 
having  heard  that  copies '  of  Col.  Quary's  letters  to  the  Ad- 
miralty at  home  against  the  government,  were  also  brought  over. 

Directly  from  the  wharf  the  governor  went  to  his  deputy's, 
paid  him  a  short  formal  visit,  and  from  thence  with  a  crowd  at- 
tending to  meeting,  it  being  about  three  o'clock  on  First-day 
afternoon,  where  he  spoke  on  a  double  account  to  the  people, 
and  praying,  concluded  it :  from  thence  to  Edward  Shippen's, 
where  we  lodged  for  about  a  month. 

For  two  or  three  days  the  governor  seemed  to  admire  at 
Col.  Quary's  distance,  and  perceiving  he  was  not  like  to  come 
pay  a  civil  visit  as  might  be  expected,  sent  me  to  him  with  an 
inviting  compliment,  with  which  he  presently  complied,  and 
entered    into   a  very  familiar  conversation  with  the  governor, 

'  Many  copies  of  Col.  Quary's  charges  against  the  Proprietor,  with 
William  Penn's  justification  of  himself  and  government,  are  at  Stenton. 
Some  of  them  will  appear  in  this  work. — L. 

VOL.  1.— 3 


l8  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

who  endeavored  to  make  it  appear  that  he  would  treat  all 
parties  with  equal  civility  and  regard  in  this  province  that  were 
not  directly  injurious  to  him,  confessed  he  believed  there  was 
occasion  gjven  for  the  complaint  that  went  home,  blamed  the 
mal-administration  of  affairs  in  some  particulars  relative  to  the 
king,  and  resolved  to  have  a  hearing  of  the  whole  matter  before 
himself  and  council.  The  two  persons  chiefly  struck  at  by 
Quary  were  the  lieutenant-governor,  and  David  Lloyd,  attor- 
ney-general, a  man  very  stiff  in  all  his  undertakings,  of  a  sound 
judgment,  and  a  good  lawyer,  but  extremely  pertinacious  and 
somewhat  revengeful :  he,  at  that  time,  was  one  of  the  council ; 
and  those  mighty  wrongs  that  had  been  put  on  the  king  com- 
ing to  be  debated  there,  David  resolutely  defended  all  that  had 
been  done,  and  too  highly  opposed  the  governor's  resolution 
of  composing  all  by  mildness  and  moderation,  and  reconciling 
all  animosities  by  his  own  intervention,  which  he  thought  the 
only  advisable  expedient  to  put  an  end  to  those  differences  that 
had  cost  him  so  much  trouble.  This  soon  created  some  small 
misunderstanding :  several  of  the  most  noted  friends  were  in- 
volved more  or  less  in  David's  business,  and  though  troubled  at 
his  stiffness,  yet  wished  him  in  the  right,  because  the  most 
active  enemy  and  assiduous  councillor  against  the  other  party, 
who  on  all  occasions  would  be  glad,  they  thought,  of  their  utter 
ruin.  This  obstinacy  the  governor  could  by  no  means  brook ; 
he  could  not  but  think  there  was  more  deference  and  considera- 
tion due  to  his  character  and  station.  The  other  knew  not 
what  it  was  to  bend ;  he  was  engaged  in  the  cause,  and  would 
stand  or  fall  by  it,  offering  to  plead  it  at  Westminster  Hall ;  but 
the  governor,  who  was  most  sensible  of  the  pulse  of  the  court, 
and  affairs  in  general  at  home,  knew  this  course  would  never 
take,  and  therefore  was  sometimes  warm  enough  to  inveigh 
highly  against  past  proceedings,  not  sparing  several  in  express 
words  that  were  concerned  in  them,  and  laying  open  in  large 
discourse  what  would  be  the  consequence  if  they  took  not  some 
more  effectual  ways  to  satisfy  superiors  at  home,  who  perhaps 
would  be  very  well  pleased  with  any  occasion,  by  whatsoever 
hand  administered,  to  wrench  the  government  out  of  the  Pro- 
prietor's hands  and  throw  it  on  the  king. 


I/OO.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I9 

Friends  love  to  the  governor  was  great  and  sincere  ;  they  had 
long  mourned  for  his  absence,  and  passionately  desired  his 
return.  He,  they  firmly  believed,  would  compose  all  their  dif- 
ferences, and  repair  all  that  was  amiss,  and [Left  un- 
finished.] 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

New  York,  istMr.,  1700. 
Give  my  love  to  Thomas  Story,  and  tell  him  that  I  hope  he 
supplies  my  absence  about  the  laws,^  what  to  alter  or  repeal, 
and  that  thou  assist  him  therein.  Colonel  Nicholson  has  been 
very  ill,  and  relapsed  once  or  twice,  and  thereby  our  conferences 
have  been  retarded,  which  truly  are  of  great  importance  to  the 
weal  of  America.  My  dear  love  to  friends  in  general,  and 
particularly  tell  Hannah  Delavall  ^  that  to  be  one  of  her  wit- 
nesses is  not  the  least  motive  to  hasten  me.  Tell  Thomas  Story 
that  Judge  Guest  ^  salutes  him ;  but  no  lawyers,  I  see,  is  best. 
News  from  Boston  by  ships  of  six  weeks  passage  and  five  *  and 
three  days,  say  the  pretty  Duke  of  Gloucester*  is  dead,  which  will 
cause  thoughts  and  fresh  measures  at  home  among  the  grandees. 
The  enclosed  is  to  be  given  immediately,  and^  a  proclamation  to 
lengthen  the  commencement  together  of  the  session  to  the  20th 
or  24th,  as  the  council  may  judge  best ;  or  my  time  will  be  but 
small  before  the  session,  which  will  be  an  hardship  upon  me. 
Vale.  Wm.  Penn. 

*  A  revision  of  them,  previous  to  their  being  sent  to  England  for  the 
royal  approbation. — L.  ' 

^ Widow  of  John  Delavall,  and  daughter  of  Thomas  Lloyd:  she 
afterward  married  Captain  Richard  Hill,  and  it  is  to  being  present  at 
their  nuptials  to  which  the  Proprietor  alludes.  She  was  a  woman  of 
excellent  character  and  extraordinary  endowments,  and  was  much 
valued  by  his  lady  and  himself.  He  elsewhere  calls  her  "Captain 
Hill's  lovely  wife." — L. 

'  Guest  was  a  lawyer  as  well  as  Thomas  Story,  and  had  accompanied 
the  Proprietor  to  assist  at  this  conference ;  where,  it  seems,  the  latter 
made  the  discovery  that  men  of  that  profession  often  retard  negotia- 
tions by  a  too  scrupulous  adherence  to  legal  forms,  and  perhaps  the 
habit  of  counteracting  and  contradiction. — L. 

*[Sic. — Editor.] 

'  Son  of  Queen  Anne ;  his  death  opened  the  way  to  the  Protestant 
succession  of  the  house  of  Hanover. — L. 


20  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

First-day,  6th  Zbr.,  1700. 
James:  —  Pay  the  bearer,  Duncan  Campbell,  twenty-five  shil- 
lings, in  dollars,  if  thou  canst.  I  am  pretty  well,  and  intend  for 
Philadelphia  the  day  before  H.  Delavall  is  to  be  so  no  more, 
when  I  know  it,  which  I  expect  to  hear  of  to-morrow.  How- 
ever, 3d-day  I  think  of  coming,  if  it  may  be  of  the  4th ;  or  that 
day,  if  it  be  on  the  5th.     Vale.  Wm.  Penn. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

{No  date-l 

Be  as  helpful  as  may  be  to  the  commissioners,  and  put  that 
letter  hard  upon  our  opposite  neighbor,^  for  I  first  lodged  my 
thoughts  between  T.  Story  and  him.  Also,  thou  gave  me  not 
transcript  of  Governor  Hamilton's  paper,  which  pray  send  per 
first  opportunity. 

Give  the  two  Bristol  captains  a  small  collation  at  L  Jones's 
or  Robin's,  or  where  thou  wilt,  as  neat's  toftgue  or  the  like,  and 
a  bottle  of  wine  on  my  account,  if  thou  seest  fit.  It  seems 
Prickle  went  not  from  New  Castle  till  yesterday,  which  had  I 
known,  I  would  have  written  three  letters  of  great  importance 
every  way,  and  rather  I  had  lost  one  hundred  pounds  than  have 
missed  the  opportunity.     Vale.  W.  P. 


Hannah  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  Third-day  afternoon  {Nov.,  1700). 
My  husband  has  been,  for  some  time,  especially  the  two  days 
past,  much  indisposed  with  a  feverish  cold ;  his  sweating,  last 
night,  something  relieved  him,  but  not  so  as  to  be  capable  of 
going  to  town  without  great  hazard  of  his  health,  which  has 
prevailed  with  him  to  stay  till  to-morrow,  when,  if  better,  he 

'  David  Lloyd,  who  lived  in  Second  Street,  nearly  opposite  the  Slate- 
roof  House,  is  the  person,  I  conjecture,  that  is  here  meant ;  and  this 
was  probably  the  beginning  of  his  machinations  against  the  Pro- 
prietor. —  L. 


I700.]  CORRESPONDENCE. 


21 


intends  not  to  fail  of  being  in  town  ;  wherefore  he  would  have 
the  co'.mcil  adjourn,  from  day  to  day,  till  they  see  him.  Also, 
would  have  thee  tell  Thomas  Story  ^  to  read  over  the  laws  care- 
fully, and  observe  their  shortness  and  other  defects,  with  memo- 
randa of  directions,  especially  those  about  courts  of  justice, 
marriage,  law  of  property,  unreasonable  alienation  of  fines, 
8:c.,  and  what  time  thou  canst  spare  he  would  have  thee  employ 
on  the  same  subject;  for,  after  the  rising  of  this  assembly,  he 
determines  to  send  the  laws  for  England.  And  desire  Thomas 
Story  to  show  Judge  Guest  ^  his  draught  of  the  bill  for  regu- 
lating courts ;  also,  do  thou,  by  the  first  opportunity,  send  to 
R.  Parmiter  for  his  draught  upon  the  said  subject  (it  may  help); 
and  be  sure  to  mind  the  business  of  the  Maryland  sloop,  and 
speak  to  council  or  magistrates  to  consider  of  a  place  for  the 
general  assembly.     The  governor  understands  Joseph  Shippen 

^  Thomas  Story,  I  believe,  came  over  to  America  in  1699.  He  was 
a  minister  in  the  Society  of  Friends.  The  following  character  of  him 
is  taken  from  a  letter  of  Isaac  Norris  of  that  date:  "Thomas  seems 
to  take  much  with  strangers,  as  being  very  intelligible  to  the  most 
curious  observer,  and  delivers  his  matter  safe  from  the  most  captious 
critic.  He  was  bred  a  lawyer,  but  has  laid  that  aside  for  the  gospel. 
His  conversation,  as  a  man,  sweet,  gentle,  and  extremely  affable;  his 
spirit,  as  a  Christian,  extraordinarily  humble ;  and  I  have  observed  him 
to  watch  even  against  his  own  abilities,  lest  they  should  appear  to 
exalt  him  in  the  opinion  of  any  —  but  I  shall  forbear." 

He  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  was  master  of  the  rolls  and 
keeper  of  the  great  seal.  He  married  Ann  Shippen,  daughter  of 
Edward  Shippen,  and  received  a  very  handsome  portion  with  her  ;  but, 
upon  her  death,  he  returned  to  England. 

He  was  a  man  of  great  knowledge  and  ingenuity,  and  died  in 
1742.  —  L. 

[A  more  extended  account  of  this  very  able  and  remarkable  man 
may  be  found  in  i  Proud,  421.  —  Editor.] 

"^  Three  years  after  this  date,  James  Logan,  in  a  letter  to  William 
Penn,  thus  characterizes  Judge  Guest:  "A  desire  to  be  somebody, 
and  an  unjust  method  of  craving  and  getting,  seems  to  be  the  rule  of 
his  life.  He  has  often  been  of  great  service,  which  should  of  itself 
be  acknowledged,  but  it  is  owing  to  little  good  in  his  temper.  It  was 
his  failing  —  that  were  laid  hold  of,  to  lead  him  to  it  —  and,  upon  the 
whole,  I  must  give  it  as  my  opinion  that  he  is  not  to  be  trusted.  He 
is  remarkable  in  an  unhappy  talent  of  abusing  every  past  governor, 
and  seems  fixed  to  no  moral." 

He  died  in  Philadelphia,  and  was  interred  there  the  8th  of  Seventh 
month,  1707.  —  L. 


22  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OO. 

gives,  in  reality,  but  seven  pounds  ten  shillings  a  ton  to  N. 
Puckler,  and  hopes  thou  givest  not  more.  I  desire  thou  wilt 
not  fail  to  return  that  money  due  to  my  father,  at  least  one-half, 
by  the  first  good  opportunity,  to  Barbadoes  or  otherwise.  Not 
else  at  present,  from  thy  friend,  Hannah  Penn. 


Isaac  Norris  to  Daniel  Zachary. 

Zth  of  loth-mo.,  1700. 

I    am,  at   length,  got   home    from  wearisome   New 

Castle,  after  near  seven  weeks'  session,  much  teasing,  and 
sometihies  almost  off  the  hinges,  for  they  would  creak  loudly ; 
then  we  used  to  sit  and  reduce  ourselves  to  good  order  again. 
Some  turbulent  spirits  would  often  endeavor  to  drive  it  to  a 
pitched  battle  betwixt  upper  counties  and  lower,  Quakers  and 
Churchmen ;  but,  in  short,  we  at  length  brought  it  to  a  pretty 
good  conclusion.  We  compiled  out  of  the  old,  and  formed  some 
new  —  in  all  about  ninety  laws  in  a  body,  as  far  as  our  capa- 
cities and  general  heads  would  admit.  We  settled  property  in 
respect  to  weak  titles,  and  for  a  closing  stroke  gave  the  governor 
two  thousand  pounds,  at  which  our  malcontents  are  not  well 
pleased,  and  some,  I  hear,  endeavor  to  withstand  paying. 


Isaac  Norris  to  Daniel  Zachary.^ 

29M  wth-mo.,  1700. 

I    have  missed    no    post    since    I   came   from    that 

Frenchified,  Scotchified,  Dutchified"  place,  as  thou  callst  it,  and 
hope  by  this  time  thou  art  sensible  of  it.  I  am  obliged  for  all 
the  news ;  but  we  hear  it.  The  governor  has  promised  me  a 
sight  of  the  sacrifice  your  zealots  have  made  to  their  revenge  — 
a  poor  and  mean  confutation;  and,  however  it  may  please  their 
followers,  it  will  render  them  fairly  outdone  in  the  eyes  of  the 
disinterested  and  wise.  'T  is  true,  burning  of  libels  against  a 
prince  or  government,  which  tend  to  sedition  or  disturbance 
of  the  subjects,  may  be  quite  proper,  but,  as  I  understand,  this  is 

^  Norris  MSS.  *  Newcastle. — J.  P.  Norris,  Sen. 


I/OO.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  23 

matter  of  fact,  and  difference  between  subject  and  subject,  and 
shows  a  piece  of  arrogance,  as  well  as  folly,  so  to  exert  their 
revenge.  Were  I  the  author,  I  should  think  my  point  gained ; 
and  no  doubt  he  has  sense  enough  to  make  a  right  use  of  the 
advantage  they  have  given  him.  Your  New  England  ministers, 
so  called,  seem  to  have  much  zeal  for  religion,  but  have  a 
peculiar  talent  in  the  application  and  practice;  and  by  looking 
no  farther  than  their  own  narrow  limits,  do  not  consider  the 
universality  of  God's  love  to  the  creation,  and  how  pleas- 
ing it  is  in  his  sight  that  we  carry  a  moral  and  civil  respect  and 
love  to  our  fellow-creatures,  as  brethren  by  creation  and  the 
workmanship  of  his  hands,  all  of  a  piece  as  to  our  naturals. 
But  I  leave  this  digression,  and  only  hint  that  certainly  they 
have  no  legal  right,  much  less  divine,  to  claim  a  maintenance 
from  you,  that  hear  them  not 


William  Penn,  Jr.,  to  James  Logan. 

WoRMiNGHURST,  Feb.  x\th,  1700. 
Dear  Friend:  —  I  have  not,  which  I  am  very  sorry  for,  at 
present,  time  to  answer  thy  long,  though  not  tedious  letter,  for 
good  sense  can  never  be  tedious  to  those  who  crave  but  enough 
to  relish  it ;  yet  if  thy  former  had  been  twenty-three  instead  of 
three  sheets,  it  had  not  balanced  for  the  shortness  of  that  of 
January,  which  was  but  one  and  a  half  lines.  I  hope  thee  will 
make  it  up  with  interest.  I  am  now  to  tell  thee  that  yesterday, 
at  half  hour  past  eight  in  the  morning,  to  a  minute,  my  wife  was 
brought  to  bed  of  a  brave  boy.^  If  thee  will  calculate  his 
nativity,  thee  will  much  oblige 

Thy  most  affectionate  friend, 

Wm.  Penn,  Jr. 

Addressed,  "For  James   Logan,  Secretary  to  His  Excellency,  in 
Philadelphia." 

^  [Probably  Springett  Penn. — Editor.] 


24  PENN  AND   LOGAN  [l/CX). 

An  Abstract  of  Several  Informations  relating  to  Irregular 
Proceedings  and  other  Undue  Practices  in  Pennsylvania.' 

1.  That  all  illegal  trade  is  carried  on  there,  more  than  ever. 
Sloops  are  purposely  employed  to  go  out  of  the  Capes  and  take 
on  board  goods  brought  by  other  vessels  from  Curagoa,  which 
they  land  at  Philadelphia  or  elsewhere,  and  then  the  vessels 
that  brought  them,  come  up  to  Philadelphia  in  ballast,  as  if  they 
had  brought  nothing. 

2.  The  acts  passed  in  Pennsylvania  to  prevent  illegal  trade 
are  not  put  in  execution,  as  neither  the  acts  of  trade  made 
here. 

3.  Mr.  Penn,  having  appointed  water  bailiffs  by  his  own  au- 
thority, has  invaded  thereby  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Admiralty 
established  by  the  king. 

4.  There-is  neither  any  militia  established,  nor  any  provision 
made  of  arms  or  ammunition,  but  the  country  left  defenceless, 
and  exposed  to  all  hazards  both  by  land  and  sea,  of  which 
the  representatives  of  the  lower  counties  have  several  times 
complained  to  Mr.  Penn,  but  without  obtaining  any  redress. 

5.  Mr.  Penn  endeavors  all  he  can  to  invite  foreign  and  French 
Indians,  known  to  be  villanous,  and  but  lately  come  from 
Canada,  to  settle  in  this  country,  only  for  the  benefit  of  a  trade 
with  them,  which  he  takes  care  wholly  to  engross  to  himself, 
by  ordering  the  Indians  not  to  permit  any  to  trade  with  them 
but  such  as  produce  an  indented  license  under  his  seal.  What 
his  profit  may  be  thereby  is  not  known.  But  it  is  appre- 
hended this  practice  may  tend  to  endanger  the  lives  of  many 
thousands  of  her  Majesty's  subjects. 

6.  Mr.  Penn  prevailed  with  the  assembly,  at  one  sitting,  to 
make  a  present  to  him  of  two  thousand  pounds,  and  further  to 
settle  upon  him  one  thousand  pounds  per  annum  and  upwards, 
in  taxes.  The  expense  of  their  several  sittings  whilst  he  was 
there,  amounts  to  above  six  hundred  pounds.     But  he  has  not 

*  [This  and  the  five  subsequent  papers  are  from  the  Logan  Manu- 
scripts in  possession  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  which 
were  many  years  since  presented  to  that  institution  by  Mrs.  Logan. 
Also,  see  Mem.  of  Hist.  Soc.  Fcfm.,   vol.  ii.   191. — Editor.] 


I/OO.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  2$ 

disposed  them  to  raise  the  slnall  quota  of  three  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds,  which  was  signified  to  be  requisite  towards  the 
defence  of  New  York;  they  excusing  themselves  chiefly  upon  ac- 
count of  the  want  of  a  settled  militia,  arms  and  ammunition  for 
their  own  defence,  which  has  indisposed  them  to  any  com- 
pliance with  the  quota  of  men  for  New  York^  in  case  of  an 
attack,  though  it  be  a  condition  upon  which  the  government  was 
restored  to  him. 

7.  The  representatives  of  the  three  lower  counties,  in  an  ad- 
dress to  Mr.  Penn,  have  further  represented,  that,  instead  of 
reaping  the  security  designed  by  the  laws  passed  at  New  Castle, 
they  find  that  the  most  essential  of  those  laws,  and  which 
nearest  concern  them  in  their  estates,  have  not  been  sent  home 
for  his  Majesty's  approbation,  especially  those  of  qualification 
of  magistrates  and  juries,  and  those  for  establishing  property 
and  raising  money. 

8.  Those  representatives  being  doubtful  of  Mr.  Penn's  right 
to  the  government  of  those  counties,  they  desired  a  sight  of  his 
deed  of  feoffment.  But,  instead  thereof,  were  threatened  with  a 
gaol,  without  bail,  till  either  the  king's  pleasure  should  be  known, 
or  Mr.  Penn's  return  into  these  parts;  and  by  these  proceedings 
being  made  more  doubtful  of  the  validity  of  the  laws  passed  at 
New  Castle,  they  refused  to  confirm  the  same. 

9.  In  relation  to  the  administration  of  justice,  information 
has  been  given  of  three  particular  cases,  very  heinous,  viz.,  a  man, 
committed  for  .  .  [imperfect  MS.]  .  .  for  want  of  a  legal  method 
of  proceeding  got  off.  A  woman,  committed  for  murdering  her 
bastard  child,  and  confessing  the  fact,  was  either  acquitted  or 
pardoned.  The  son  of  an  eminent  Quaker,  by  several  shuffling 
and  irregular  practices,  got  off  without.trial. 

10.  Further  information  has  been  given  of  a  jury,  who,  not 
agreeing  upon  the  verdict  in  a  cause  which  they  were  charged 
with,  determined  themselves  by  hustle-cap. 

11.  Appeals  have  not  been  granted  from  sentences  in  courts 
in  Pennsylvania,  to  his  Majesty  in  council,  here,  particularly  in 
the  case  of  Thomas  Byfield  against  John  King. 

12.  The  deputy-governor  left  by  Mr.  Penn,  is  not  qualified 
by  his  Majesty's  approbation,  or  otherwise,  as  requisite  by  law. 


26  PENN  AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

Nor  has  Mr.  Penn  ever  given  security  for  any  deputy  governor, 
as  directed  by  the  address  of  the  House  of  Lords  of  i8th  of 
March,  1696.^ 


Answers  to  the  Abstract  of  Complaints  against  Proceed- 
ings IN  Pennsylvania. 

1.  This  is  more  than  I  know;  and  wbnder,  if  it  be  true,  that 
Colonel  Quary  (who,  I  perceive,  presents  these  informations  to 
this  honorable  Board)  never  told  me  so  before ;  for  I  never  heard 
but  of  one  vessel  that  played  us  such  a  trick ;  and  I  wish  that 
Colonel  Q.  and  his  officers  had  been  more  vigorous  to  prevent 
it.  But,  for  the  vindication  of  our  merchants  and  of  that  colony, 
I  must  desire  Col.  Q.  to  prove  the  charge ;  that  due  course  may 
be  taken  to  punish  the  faulty,  and  prevent  such  things  for  the 
future. 

2.  I  pray  proof  of  this  also ;  for  he  never  complained  to  me, 
that  I  can  remember,  of  such  neglect.  But  this  I  know,  that  he 
told  me  he  thought  I  was  too  hard  upon  the  tobacco-planters,  in 
making  that  law  ;  for  by  that  law  the  hogsheads  of  tobacco 
were  to  be  weighed  at  their  shipping,  because  they  used  to  pass 
formerly  at  four  hundred  pounds  weight,  by  content ;  though, 
perhaps,  they  or  the  merchants  crowded  in  seven,  eight,  or  nine 
hundred  pounds  weight  into  a  hogshead,  by  which  the  king 
lost,  at  one  penny  per  pound,  not  less  than  thirty,  forty,  or  fifty 
shillings  ;  which,  in  a  thousand  hogsheads,  comes  to  fifteen  hun- 
dred or  two  thousand  pounds. 

3.  Colonel  Quary,  in  his  letter  to  this  Board,  laid  the  charge 
as  if  I  had  granted  tha^  commission  to  all  the  sheriffs ;  but  of 
six  sheriffs  for  the  six  counties,  two  only  had  them.  They  were 
granted  of  necessity,  to  suppress  great  disorders  upon  the  water, 
and  in  his  absence,  and  never  disputed  by  his  deputy ;  and 
when  objected  against  by  himself  at  his  return  (after  six  months' 
absence  upon  his  traffic  into  other  colonies),  I  did  immediately 
command  the  sheriffs  to  forbear  acting  by  them  till  farther  order. 

^Indorsed,  "Col.  Quary,  Information  No.  i." 


I700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  2/ 

One  of  them  never  had,  and  the  other  but  twice,  and  in  slight 
occasions ;  however,  it  was  drawn  by  one  that  Lord  Bellamont 
had  made  a  council  at  New  York,  and  naval  officer  thereof,  well 
acquainted  in  such  matters ;  and  I  offered  to  join  with  him  to 
represent  it  home  to  this  and  the  Admiralty  Board,  to  give  us 
our  true  boundaries,  as  the  king's  council  in  both  laws  should 
advise,  which  he  promised,  and  best  knows  why  he  did  not  per- 
form it. 

4.  There  is  as  much  as  was  in  Colonel  Fletcher's  time,  and 
the  same  governor  I  continued  in  command  by  the  queen's 
directions  ;  all  commissions  being  by  proclamation,  to  remain  in 
force  till  revoked,  and  they  never  were.  But  it  is  a  mistake  that 
I  had  my  government  restored  to  me  upon  those  terms.  Let 
the  royal  instrument  be  consulted.  Nor  was  my  right  ever 
dissolved,  or  that  interruption  given  me  to  be  by  law  vindicated. 
And  for  the  country's  being  left  defenceless,  it  is  an  imposition 
upon  the  Lords  to  tell  them  a  militia  can  secure  it ;  since  by 
land  there  is  none  to  annoy  it ;  and  by  sea,  the  position  of  the 
country  and  the  manner  of  our  settlements  considered,  (our  dis- 
tance from  the  capes  being  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  New- 
castle one  hundred  and  twenty,  and  the  shoals  and  narrows  so 
many,)  that  a  small  vessel  of  war  would,  under  God's  providence, 
be  the  best  security. 

5.  I  never,  to  my  knowledge,  invited  or  entertained  one  French 
Indian  in  my  life ;  but  discouraged  Frenchmen,  employed  by 
Colonel  Q.  or  his  customers,  from  trading  with  our  Indians, 
(the  cause  of  that  restraint,)  that  they  might  not  debauch  them 
from  the  English  friendship  and  interest ;  all  which  is  notorious 
in  those  parts,  where  the  truth  can  only  be  examined  and  found 
out.  My  profit  by  the  Indians  was  never  sixpence ;  but  my 
known  perpetual  bounties  to  them  have  cost  me  many  hundreds 
of  pounds,  if  not  some  thousands,  first  and  last.  But  this  shows 
a  necessity  of  a  moditis  inquirendum  upon  the  place. 

6.  I  acknowledge  the  two  thousand  pounds  that  money, 
(which  makes  not  twelve  hundred  pounds  English ;)  but  his 
one  thousand  pounds  is  not  above  seven  hundred  pounds  that 
money,  nor  five  hundred  pounds  this,  and  nearly  expired.  But 
is  that  such  a  recompense,  when  five  times  the  sum  is  less  than 


28  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

my  due ;  having  not  had  for  twenty  years  one  farthing,  but 
maintained  the  deputy-governor  at  my  own  charges  ?  And  yet 
more  than  half  of  what  they  gave  me  is  yet  unpaid,  and  if 
Colonel  Q.  and  his  factious  adherents  can  obstruct  it,  will 
never  be  paid  me.  Whereas,  had  the  law  of  imposts,  given  me  in 
'83,  been  received  by  me,  it  had  been  twenty  thousand  pounds, 
and  more,  money  in  my  way ;  and  which  was  only  by  me  waived 
for  a  few  years  in  our  infancy,  upon  promises  never  performed 
to  me.  But  for  the  three  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  the  king 
writ  me  about,  I  did  not  only  endeavor  to  raise  it  by  calling  an 
assembly,  (and  which  help  up  the  charge  of  the  six  hundred 
pounds  he  talks  of,)  but  writ  to  the  Governor  of  New  York,  that, 
though  I  paid  the  three  hundred  pounds  myself,  he  should  not 
want  such  a  sum  for  the  king's  services  ;  whose  answer  was,  that 
he  neither  wanted  men  nor  money,  but  Colonel  Kramer,  the 
engineer  that  the  New-Englanders  kept  from  him  ;  nor  was  it  at 
the  same  session  or  assembly  that  gave  me  that  supply,  but  .  . 
[MS.  torn]  .  .  after.  Therefore,  it  cannot  be  justly  concluded 
that  I  preferred  my  own  wants  to  the  king's  service ;  and  it  was 
poverty  more  than  defence,  that  was  the  excuse  of  the  lower 
counties  for  not  contributing  to  it,  where  a  ship  only  as  before 
is  their  best  security ;  the  town  of  Philadelphia,  at  least  the  coun- 
ty, being  in  reality  worth  more  than  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
lower  counties,  who  yet  have  equal  privileges  with  the  whole 
province,  on  whose  account  he  makes  this  reflection  upon  us. 
However,  they  are  not  singular,  Virginia  and  Maryland,  old  and 
opulent,  as  well  as  king's  colonies,  having  declined  their  quotas. 

7.  It  was  then  declared  to  them  and  consented  to,  that  the 
imperfection  of  some  laws  in  matter  and  wording,  would  re- 
quire a  review  another  session,  and  none  were  kept  back  but 
those  that  were  made  towards  the  end  of  that  session,  when  the 
early  frost  setting  in  so  hard,  and  the  sickliness  of  the  place, 
made  the  members  impatient  of  further  stay.  Nor  am  I  (as  I 
presume)  obliged  by  my  patent  to  send  them  in  so  short  a  time ; 
however,  I  expect  them  daily. 

8.  They  had  the  sight  of  the  deed  of  feoffment,  and  were  also 
told  by  me  it  was  upon  record  at  New  York;  and  for  threaten- 
ing them  with  a  gaol,  't  is  a  most  abusive  perversion ;  for  what 


I700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  29 

was  said  was  to  a  member,  but  of  one  that  was  not  a  member, 
that  was  supposed  to  have  sowed  such  reflections  about  the 
town,  by  himself  or  agents,  and  upon  that  I  said,  "  Tell  me  his 
name  and  prove  it  upon  him,  and  I  will  take  care  to  lay  him 
where  I  shall  prevent  his  seditious  practices,  till  the  king's  com- 
mands are  known,  or  the  law  release  him."  This  is  the  truth  of 
the  case,  and  I  am  still  of  the  same  mind  for  the  preservation  of 
the  common  peace;  nor  did  I  know  how  to  preserve  it  otherwise; 
and  I  thank  God,  it  continues  still,  and  hope  will  till  the  queen's 
pleasure  shall  be  known ;  while  our  neighbors  at  New  York  are  in 
such  confusion  and  extremity,  though  not  only  a  king's  colony, 
but  one  of  the  most  importance. 

9.  For  this  foul  charge  I  might  refer  the  Board  to  the 
records  of  the  county.  However,  I  will  say  this  much :  nobody 
complained  to  me  of  it,  nor  appealed  about  the  first  of  them ; 
but  I  have  heard  the  reason  of  his  being  cleared  was,  that  the 
single  witness  against  him  ran  away,  and  was  a  fellow  of  no 
credit  into  the  bargain,  upon  which,  after  a  long  imprisonment, 
he  was  discharged  in  open  court  of  quarter  sessions.  For  the 
woman,  she  is  neither  pardoned  nor  acquitted,  but  the  whole 
case  lies  with  Secretary  Vernon,  to  whom  I  sent  it  for  the 
king's  mind,  who  only  could  pardon  her,  and,  for  want  of  a  suf- 
ficient prison,  is  still  in  custody  (if  living)  of  the  sheriff,  who 
waits  for  directions  therein.  Which  representation  was  at  the 
instance  and  address  of  the  Swedish  minister  and  congrega- 
tion, of  which  she  was  a  member,  that  pleaded,  ist,  that  it  was 
her  own  discovery ;  2d,  that  it  was  five  years  after  the  fact ; 
3d,  her  extreme  sorrow  and  repentance,  of  which  the  discovery 
was  an  instance.  As  to  the  rape,  the  man  challenged  by  the 
woman  married  her.  And  in  the  opinion  of  the  two  only 
lawyers  of  the  place,  and  one  of  them  the  king's  advocate  of  the 
Admiralty,  and  the  attorney-general  of  the  country,  her  evidence 
was  thereby  enervated.  But  because  the  marriage  was  not  so 
regular  as  the  law  required,  I  ordered  the  prosecution  of  it  with 
the  utmost  vigor,  as  the  minutes  of  the  council  will  show.  For 
the  reflection  upon  our  profession  in  styling  the  father  an  emi- 
nent Quaker:  ist,  the  father  was  but  a  late  comer,  and  little 
known;  and,  2dly,  far  from  eminent  there  or  here,  but  of  all  held 


30  PENNANDLOGAN  [17OO. 

a  quiet,  honest  man,  who  had  been  his  son's  security,  the  time 
.  .  [here  MS.  is  imperfect]  ,  .  for  want  of  him,  before  it  was 
admitted,  nor  was  it  at  last  without  good  authorities  in  law. 

10.  That  was  true,  and  they  punished  for  it,  or  I  had  severely 
prosecuted  them.  But  this  was  done  some  time  before  my 
arrival. 

11.  This  I  must  positively  disown,  for  I  never  did  deny  one, 
nor  was  ever  appealed  or  complained  to.  If  any  court  in  my 
government  presumed  to  do  so,  I  hope  I  know  better  things  in 
justice  and  prudence  than  to  countenance  or  endure  it. 

12.  It  was  no  fault  of  mine,  since  I  could  not  stay  to  receive 
it;  but  his  name  was  sent  over  by  me  to  my  son,  for  that  service, 
above  a  year  before  I  thought  of  my  hasty  return,  but  it  was,  it 
seems,  omitted  to  be  presented  because  of  the  doubtful  issue  of 
the  bill  then  in  Parliament  against  us.  However,  I  have  the 
opinion  of  Chief-Justice  Attwood,  at  New  York,  that  being  a 
governor  in  my  own  right,  till  the  king  could  be  apprised  of  it, 
the  appointment  I  made  was  good,  and  Col.  Quary  cannot  but 
know  that  necessity  is  ever  a  commission;  and  that  I  was  under 
an  absolute  one,  both  to  come  and  to  choose  him,  seeing  there 
was  not  another  person  in  either  province  (not  a  Quaker)  capable 
of  it,  unless  my  lieutenant-governor,  that  I  had  displaced  upon 
the  king's  commands,  m  '99.  And  I  ^ope,  whatever  be  Col. 
Quary's  point,  the  Lords  will  judge  of  my  proceeding  according 
to  the  nature  of  public  exigencies.  Wm.  Penn.^ 


A  Reply  to  Mr.  Penn's  Answer  to  the  Information  relat- 
ing TO  Irregular  Proceedings,  etc.,  in  irts  Government  in 
Pennsylvania. 

Article  the  First.  The  charge  being  matter  of  fact,  and  too 
tedious  to  transcribe  all  the  proofs  of  them,  I  have  only  to  desire 
your  Lordships  that  we  may  with  all  expedition  proceed  to  it, 
being  ready  to  make  appear  to  your  Lordships  that  I  have  often 

*  [This  is  an  original,  and  is  signed  in  Penn's  own  handwriting,  and 
indorsed  by  him:  "Answer  to  Col.  Quary's  first  Memorial." — 
Editor  ] 


I700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  3I 

complained  of  it,  and  admire  at  the  shortness  of  Mr.  Penn's  mem- 
ory, that  he  can  remember  but  one  vessel.  I  shall  mind  him  of 
several  others. 

Secondly.  The  Acts  made  in  Pennsylvania  to  prevent  illegal 
trade  are  so  far  from  being  put  in  execution,  that  they  are  not 
allowed  to  be  Acts;  and  as  to  the  English  Acts  of  Parliament, 
it  shall  fully  appear  to  your  Lordships  that  no  care  hath  been 
taken  of  them ;  that  the  government,  and  all  Mr.  Penn's  plausi- 
ble story  on  this  head,  hath  nothing  in  it  but  to  amuse  your 
Lordships. 

Thirdly.  This,  also,  is  matter  of  fact,  ready  to  be  proved ;  and 
I  shall  therefore  only  remark  to  your  Lordships  that  Mr.  Penn 
very  well  knows  that  all  the  trade  of  that  province  lieth  with- 
in the  district  of  those  two  counties  where  he  had  granted  the 
commissions;  and  that  I  never  was  absent  but  that  I  left  suffi- 
cient powers  to  have  suppressed  all  disorders.  He  is  pleased  to 
say  the  commissions  he  gave  were  drawn  by  one  that  my  Lord 
Bellamont  had  employed,  but  doth  not  add  that  so  soon  as  my 
Lord  was  thoroughly  apprised  of  his  character,  he  turned  him 
out;  and  that  after  this,  though  the  same  information  were  given 
Mr.  Penn,  yet  he  employed  him.  That  Mr.  Penn  did  solemnly 
promise  to  join  with  me  in  representing  some  things  home  re- 
lating to  the  powers  of  my  commission,  and  that  till  things  were 
determined,  and  we  should  receive  directions  from  the  govern- 
ment, I  should  uninterruptedly  execute  all  the  powers  of  my 
commission,  is  true;  but  that,  contrary  to  this  promise,  he  hath 
invaded  those  powers,  by  granting  commissions,  &c.,  is  as  ready 
to  be  proved. 

Fourthly.  I  must  in  general  offer  my  proofs  of  the  article  re- 
plied to,  and  shall  take  care  to  distinguish  how  far  Colonel 
Fletcher  attempted  the  settling  of  a  militia,  what  Mr.  Penn  hath 
done  in  that  affair,  and  on  what  account  it  is  truly  necessary  for 
the  protection  and  defence  of  the  country. 

Fifthly.  Besides  the  general  offer  of  proof,  Mr.  Penn  pleases 
to  evade  the  charge,  and  quibble  about  French  Indians.  I  charge 
him,  that,  notwithstanding  the  nakedness  of  the  country,  he  hath 
lately  received  into  his  province  several  nations  of  foreign  In- 
dians, and  some  French  Indians,  who  are  lately  run  away  to  the 


32  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

French.  Mr.  Penn  is  pleased  to  say  that  he  hath  discouraged 
Frenchmen  employed  by  me  from  trading  with  tlie  Indians  ;  in 
answer  to  which,  I  do  assure  your  Lordships  that  I  never  em- 
ployed any  Frenchmen  to  trade  with  any  Indians,  nor  any  other 
person  or  persons  whatsoever. 

Sixthly.  Mr.  Penn,  in  his  reply,  hath,  in  effect,  owned  this 
article,  and  I  see  no  room  for  any  other  answer  than  to  tell  you 
that  proofs  are  not  wanting  to  clear  anything  he  may  have  made 
doubtful  in  his  pretended  reply. 

Sevcntlily.  The  like  may  suffice  in  reply  to  the  seventh  answer. 

Eighthly.  And  as  to  the  next,  I  shall  at  the  same  time  make 
it  appear  to  your  Lordships,  that  what  Mr.  Penn  hath  said  hath 
no  weight  in  it.  I  do  most  humbly  desire  of  your  Lordships,  on 
the  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  three  lower  counties,  that 
Mr.  Penn  may  be  obliged  to  make  appear  what  title  he  hath 
(if  any)  to  the  government  of  those  three  lower  counties,  or 
to  the  rents,  he  having  exercised  the  former  to  the  highest 
degree,  and  hath  received  or  secured  the  rent  for  about  twenty 
years. 

NintJdy.  The  charge  relating  to  the  three  capital  crimes  suf- 
fered to  go  unpunished  in  Mr.  Penn's  government,  are  proved 
by  the  hands  of  several  persons  of  integrity  and  honor. 

Tcnthly.  The  fact  of  the  hustle-cap  is  owned,  but  I  am  not 
conscious  they  were  ever  punished  for  it,  and  desire  it  may  be 
proved  by  Mr.  Penn. 

Eleventhly.  Mr.  Byfield  having  petitioned  her  Majesty  and 
complained  of  the  denial  of  an  appeal  to  him  on  which  an  order 
was  granted,  requiring  those  in  Mr.  Penn's  government  to  allow 
of  appeals  home  and  to  remit  the  cause,  puts  that  matter  out  of» 
dispute,  if  that  were  the  only  instance. 

Tivelfthly.  The  matter  of  the  seventeenth  article  is  likwise  true, 
this  present  deputy-governor  not  being  qualified  according  to 
law,  for  which  reason  the  people  of  the  Jerseys  refused  to  sub- 
mit to  him  as  governor.  This  Mr.  Penn  very  well  knew,  yet  had 
so  little  regard  to  her  Majesty's  laws,  that,  in  contempt  of  them, 
he  made  him  deputy-governor  of  Pennsylvania.  Neither  can  I 
by  any  means  allow  of  his  pretence  of  necessity  of  appointing 
Col.  Hamilton,  in  that  there  was  no  other  person  capable  of  it, 


1700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  33 

there  being  to  my  knowledge  several  persons  less  liable  to 
objections,  and  every  way  as  capable  of  that  employment. 


A  Reply  to  Mr.  Penn's  Second  Answer,' 

Humbly  submitted  to  the  Right  Hotwrable  the  Lords  of  the  Council 
of  Trade  and  Plantations. 

First.  As  to  what  relates  to  restoring  Anthony  Morris  to  his 
places  in  the  government,  it  is  matter  of  fact,  and  owned  by  Mr, 
Penn ;  but  that  I  had  any  such  discourse  with  himself  or  Anthony 
Morris,  as  Mr.  Penn  mentions,  I  do  absolutely  deny,  and  shall 
be  ready,  when  your  Lordships  command,  to  lay  the  true  state 
of  it  before  you. 

Secondly.  Mr.  Penn  is  charged,  that,  in  a  late  charter  which  he 
hath  granted  to  the  people  of  Philadelphia,  he  hath  given  the 
sheriffs  almost  all  the  powers  of  the  Admiralty,  to  the  Capes  of 
the  Bay,  under  the  pretence  of  water-bailiffs  ;  to  all  which  charge 
he  hath  made  no  reply. 

Thirdly.  This  article  being  owned  by  Mr.  Penn  and  by  his 
officer's  letter,  leaves  no  room  for  enlargement;  but  only  shall 
add  this  hint:  the  said  William  Righton  is  an  old  offender, 
noted  for  illegal  practices,  as  will  be  more  fully  shown  when 
matters  are  debated  before  your  Lordships. 

Fourthly.  As  to  what  concerns  his  kinsman,  Mr.  Parmiter,  I 
appeal  to  Mr.  Penn  whether  I  did  not  acquaint  him  with  it  in 
Pennsylvania,  whether  he  did  not  see  a  copy  of  the  indictment 
against  the  said  Parmiter;  and  if  it  be  still  doubted,  I  have  only 
to  inform  your  Lordships  that  I  expect  a  copy  of  the  records 
every  day  from  Bristol,  having  sent  for  them. 

Fifthly.  All  the  matters  in  this  article  are  true,  and  Mr.  Penn 
is  no  stranger  to  it,  since  I  acquainted  him  with  it  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  am  now  ready  to  prove  it  here.  Mr.  Penn's  answer 
to  the  article  is  branched  out  into  so  many  particulars,  and  of 
so  little  concern  to  the  matter,  that  I  cannot  speak  to  it  with- 
out being  very  large ;  so  must  refer  that  till  the  business  is  debated 

*  Indorsed  in  Penn's  handwriting:  "  Col.  Quary's  Reply." 

VOL.  I. — 4 


34  PENNANDLOGAN  [170O. 

before  your  Lordships.  And  now  may  it  please  your  Lordships, 
that  there  may  be  no  delay  of  the  Queen's  affairs  by  my  staying 
in  England,  I  beg  leave  to  have  a  short  day  assigned,  that  I 
may  proceed  to  all  my  proofs,  which  are  at  all  times  ready;  it 
being  both  difficult  and  tedious  to  commit  them  all  to  writing, 
which  is,  however,  humbly  submitted  to  your  Lordships'  con- 
sideration by 

Your  Lordships'  most  humble  servant, 

Robert  Quary. 

An  Account  of  what  Vessels  hath  been  Seized  and  Con- 
demned IN  Pennsylvania,  by  Robert  Quary,  Judge  of  the 
Court  of  Vice-Admiralty, 

Most  humbly  presented  to  the  Honorable  the  Commissioners  of  lier 
Majesty's  Custofns. 

November,  1698. 

The  ^00^  Jacob,  Francis  Basset,  master:  the  queen's  third  £  s.  d. 
came  to  ^40        .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .      40  00  00 

The  East  India  goods  which  were  condemned  and  forcibly 
taken  out  of  the  queen's  stores:  the  third  came  to,  by 
the  Quakers'  appraisement,  J\Zq  or  J^^^o       .         .         .     90  00  00 

The  brigantineyij;/^,  Edward  Johnson,  master  :  the  queen's 

third  came  to  about      .         .         .         .         .         .         .      10  00  00 

A  parcel  of  goods  seized  by  the  collector  and  condemned : 

the  queen's  third  came  to      .         .         .         .         .  .     25     7  00 

The  sloop   Callipatch,  John   Hexby,  master :  the  queen's 

third  came  to  about      .         .         .         .         .         .         .     40  00  00 

The  sloop  Deer,  Goosey  Bunyan,  master  :  the  queen's  third 

came  to  about       .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .      1 2  00  00 

The  sloop  Jatnes  and  Mary' s  Adventure,  George  Ander- 
son, master:  the  queen's  third  came  to  about         .         ,     45  00  00 

Total 262     7  00 

Pennsylvania  money,  which  makes  of  sterling  money  the  sum  of 
^174  i8j.  od. 

The  ship  Providence,  John  Lumby,  master:  the  queen's  third 
amounts  to  ^^193  17^.  (>hd.  of  Pennsylvania  money. 

May  it  please  your  Honors,  this  is  the  account  of  her  Majesty's 
thirds,  since  I  have  been  concerned,  to  the  best  of  my  knowl- 
edge,—  in  case  there  be  any  small  mistake,  it  shall  be  certified 
from  the  records  and  on  oath, —  out  of  which  I  have  paid  and  dis- 


I/OO.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  35 

bursed  for  her  Majesty's  service  one  hundred  and  thirty  pounds, 
besides  my  four  years'  service  and  attendance.  All  which  is  most 
humbly  submitted  to  your  Honors'  judgment,  by 

Your  Honors'  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

R,  Quaky. 


Complaints  against    Col.    Robert   Quary,   relating  to   his 
BEING  Judge  of  the  Admiralty. 

First.  His  unacquaintance  with  the  civil  law,  of  which  he  is 
judge,  not  being  versed  therein,  and  having  had  a  differing  [an 
indifferent?]  education,  renders  him  incapable  of  executing  so 
great  a  trust,  wherein  both  the  Queen's  interest  and  the  sub- 
jects' property  are  deeply  concerned  —  since  he  judges  without 
a  jury,  and  pretends  that  the  Admiralty  has  a  larger  jurisdiction 
there  than  in  England. 

Secondly.  His  extending  of  his  admiralty  jurisdiction  to  cases 
not  only  cognizable  but  proper  to  common  law  courts,  taking 
all  causes  from  the  sheriffs  that  relate  to  the  water,  though 
infra  corpus  coviitatus,  and  where  the  river  is  not  a  mile  over, 
and  in  the  freshes. 

Thirdly.  That  he  is  the  greatest  merchant  or  factor  in  the 
province,  and  yet  is  both  judge  of  the  Admiralty  and  surveyor  of 
the  customs,  which  is  conceived  to  be  an  absolute  inconsist- 
ency, and  of  dangerous  consequence  to  trade  at  large,  as  well  as 
wrong  to  the  rest  of  the  people,  of  that  province  in  particular. 

Fourthly.  That  he  has  been  unreasonably  and  unwarrantably 
rigorous  in  some  cases,  to  the  great  discouragement  of  the 
traders  of  that  province,  as  well  as  judge  of  his  own  court,  by 
having  the  Queen's  third  instead  of  a  salary. 

Fifthly.  He  has  been  partial  in  his  administration.  1st.  He 
seized  a  sloop  belonging  to  one  Nailor,  upon  a  slight  information 
of  foul  trade,  never  proved,  as  I  hear,  against  her;  and  though 
sufficient  security  was  offered  him,  had  her  appraised  at  fifteen 
pounds,  and  afterwards  hired  her  himself  for  Carolina ;  and  at 
her  return,  not  only  paid  no  freight,  but  obliged  the  poor  widow, 
the  owner,  to  sell  her  vessel  to  great  loss,  to  satisfy  the  afore- 


36  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

said  appraisement.  2d.  I  desire  Col.  Q.  may  be  asked  if  the 
Curai^oa  vessel,  so  much  talked  of,  was  seized  till  she  was  sold 
by  the  transgressors  to  honest  men,  who  were  rebuilding  of  her 
at  her  seizing,  and  the  sellers  gone  out  of  the  province  to  New 
York.  3d.  If  Robert  Webb,  marshal  of  the  Admiralty,  did  not 
first  inform  against  the  sloop  Callipatch,  and  yet  the  owners  (or 
one  of  them)  afterwards  admitted  for  informers  to  save  a  third, 
who  had  been  the  greatest  transgressors  in  that  trade  of  the 
whole  river.  4th.  His  known  rigor  (presumed  for  lucre-sake) 
against  the  ship  Providence,  one  Lumby,  master,  that,  mis- 
taking our  Capes  for  those  of  Virginia,  after  a  distressing  pas- 
sage of  five  months,  having  never  been  on  that  coast  before, 
was  seized  by  him  for  want  of  a  register,  though  the  captain  and 
carpenter  that  helped  to  build  her  took  their  oaths  of  her  being 
registered,  and  that  two  substantial  merchants  offered,  for  trade- 
sake,  and  in  honor  to  the  owners  (to  them  unknown),  to  be 
bound  in  three  thousand  pounds  security,  that  those  concerned 
should  stand  the  judgment  of  the  high  Court  of  Admiralty  in 
England,  if  the  ship  might  go  her  voyage;  but  were  refused  and 
informed  against  by  said  Quary  for  so  doing,  as  enemies  to  the 
admiralty  jurisdiction.  These  goods  were  appraised  low  at  the 
instance  of  said  Col.  Quary  or  John  Moor,  advocate,  that  the 
owners  might  come  at  easy  rates,  no  malice  or  design  of 
fraud  appearing.  But  after  appraisement,  two-thirds  were  sold, 
the  king's  one  third  by  Col.  Quary,  the  other  by  the  advocate 
as  informer  at  rack-values,  which  is  presumed  to  be  seventy,  if 
not  cent,  per  cent.,  for  by  a  re-appraisement  of  my  one-third,  that 
I  declared  from  the  first  I  would  return  to  the  owners,  the  value 
of  the  two-thirds  was  settled,  and  that  was  fifty  or  sixty  per 
cent,  above  the  first  appraisement,  and  the  appraisers  offered  to 
take  them  off  with  ready  money  at  that  rate;  which  whole  storj^ 
of  garbling  a  fair  trading-ship  to  their  private  ends,  was  the  dis- 
honor and  is  still  the  suffering  of  the  province  in  reputation  and 
trade.  And  it  is  .suspected  that  Col.  Quary  and  the  advocate 
went  halves  in  his  one-third.  However,  the  overplus  was  worth 
above  two  hundred  pounds  to  them,  upon  the  two-thirds  as  first 
appraised. 

Sixthly.  That  the  Queen,  I  fear,  has  been  unfairly  dealt  with 


1700.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  3/ 

in  Other  appraisements  of  forfeitures  than  that  of  Lumby's,  as 
comparing  them  with  Col.  Quary's  sales  will  better  appear. 

Note  —  That  Col.  Quary  and  I  lived  well  together,  till  what 
follows  happened : 

\st.  That  I  did,  in  obedience  to  the  high  Court  of  Admiralty  in 
England,  grant  an  order  to  appraise  the  ship  and  goods  of  one 
Lumby,  seized,  condemned,  and  divided  by  said  Quary,  and  that 
discovered  the  abuse  of  the  first  appraisement,  above  fifty  per 
cent.,  as  I  take  it. 

2dly.  That  I  refused  to  let  him  condemn  Gillham's  goods,  taken 
on  several :  he  sold  them  at  Lewis  as  forbidden  trade,  that  he 
might  be  let  in  for  his  one-third,  since  said  Gillham  was  a 
pirate. 

'})dly.  Because  he  had  heard  in  Virginia,  and  also  from  Eng- 
land, that  I  had  sent  five  affidavits  home  against  him,  and  for 
that  reason  he  privately  sent  home  the  copy  of  the  water-bailiffs' 
commission  as  a  complaint  of  an  encroachment  upon  his  com- 
mission of  the  Admiralty,  without  giving  me  a  previous  notice, 
according  to  his  promise,  that  we  might  have  jointly  repre- 
sented that  matter  to  the  Lords.  But  to  do  him  right,  when  he 
perceived  the  story  false,  and  that  I  had  never  sent  one,  he  pre- 
tended to  attempt  the  recovery  of  that  letter  from  New  York, 
and  to  go  on  with  me  in  our  former  friendly  correspondence, 
till  sent  for  home  from  thence  to  throw  dirt  upon  me,  the  peo- 
ple, and  government  of  Pennsylvania ;  for  what  end  may  be 
easily  imagined. 


A  Copy  of  a  Second  Complaint.^ 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and 
Foreign  Plantations. 

A  memorial  most  humbly  presented  by  Colonel  Robert  Quary, 
humbly  presenteth,  that  by  several  letters  received  from  Penn- 
sylvania, I  have  the  following  account : 

\st.  That  Anthony  Morris,  who  as  a  magistrate  did  give  a 


^[Although   this  paper  belongs  to  the   latter  part  of   1701,  it  was 
thought  better  to  insert  it  in  this  place. — Editor.] 


38  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OO. 

warrant  for  the  taking  by  force  out  of  her  Majesty's  stores  a 
parcel  of  prohibited  goods  which  were  under  seizure ;  of  which 
unlawful  act  an  account  being  sent  home  to  the  governor,  Mr. 
Penn  was  ordered  to  turn  the  said  Anthony  Morris  out  of  all 
offices,  and  prosecute  him  for  the  crime.  That,  in  obedience  to 
his  late  Majesty's  commands,  and  the  orders  of  this  honorable 
Board,  Mr.  Penn  did  turn  out  the  said  Morris,  to  answer  his 
turn  for  the  present  occasion,  but  has  now  restored  him  again, 
and  made  him  one  of  his  chief  magistrates.^ 

2d.  That  Mr.  Penn  hath,  in  a  late  charter  granted  to  the 
people  of  this  city  of  Philadelphia,  given  to  the  sheriffs  almost 
all  the  power  of  the  Admiralty,  even  to  the  Capes  of  the  Bay, 
under  the  pretence  of  water-bailiffs. 

3^.  That  several  vessels  being  lately  seized  for  breach  of  the 
several  Acts  of  Parliament,  the  government  have,  in  open  con- 
tempt of  the  admiralty  power,  brought  the  information  against 
the  said  vessels  in  their  courts  of  common  law. 

Ofth.  That  Mr.  Penn  has  commissioned  his  kinsman,  one 
Parmiter,  to  be  the  attorney-general,  who  is  convicted  of  felony, 
perjury,  and  forgery,  as  may  appear  to  the  Lords  from  the  rec- 
ords of  the  city  of  Bristol. 

^th.  That  about  three  years  since  there  was  a  dedimus,  under 
the  great  seal  of  England,  sent  to  Pennsylvania,  empowering 
Edward  Randolph,  John  Moor,  Jasper  Yeates,  John  Hollwel, 
Edward  Chilton,  Esqs.,  and  myself,  or  any  one  of  us,  to  admin- 
ister the  oaths  to  all  such  persons  which  from  time  to  time 
should  take  upon  them  the  government  of  Pennsylvania,  and  in 
case  of  our  death  or  absence,  then  the  members  of  the  council, 
together  with  the  principal  officers  of  the  customs,  had  power 
to  administer  the  said  oaths  according  to  law.  That  the  said 
dedimus  was  carried  to  the  secretary  to  have  it  recorded  in  his 
office,  and  is  forcibly  detained  by  the  governor  of  Pennsylvania 
from  the  said  commissioners,  on  purpose  to  prevent  them  from 
executing  the  powers  of  the  said  commissions,  and  thereby 
persons  have  assumed  the  government  without  being  qualified 
as  the  law  directs.     I  do  humbly  propose  that  your  Lordships 

'  [See  Colonial  Records,  i.  575. — Editor.] 


I/OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  39 

will  please  to  order  that  the  dedimus  may  be  delivered  to  the 
commissioners  unto  whom  it  is  directed,  that  so  they  may  be 
enabled  to  obey  his  Majesty's  commands,  and  answer  the  ends 
of  the  law. 

6tlL.  That  information  hath  been  given  to  Col.  Hamilton  how 
that  the  French  are  settling  themselves  on  the  back  of  Penn- 
sylvania, about  four  days'  journey  from  New  Castle.  That  one 
Lewis  Lemoivin,  a  Frenchman,  who  has  lived  many  years  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  traded  with  the  Indians,  is  run  away  to  them, 
with  two  Canada  Indians  that  were  sent  as  spies  to  view  the 
nakedness  of  that  country.  By  which  means  the  French  will 
have  the  full  knowledge  of  the  country  and  its  defenceless  condi- 
tion, which  makes  the  inhabitants  dread  the  consequence. 

All  of  which  is  humbly  offered  to  your  Lordships'  considera- 
tion, by 

Your  Lordships'  most  obedient  servant, 

Robert  Quaky. 


1701. 

[This  was  a  notable  year  in  the  history  of  the  province.  The 
most  important  events  were:  \st.  The  treaty  of  friendship  be- 
tween the  governor  and  council  and  the  Susquehanna  Indians, 
whereby  the  continuance  of  the  existing  "  good  will  was  con- 
firmed and  a  lasting  peace  established,  so  that  the  Indians  and 
all  the  English  and  other  Christian  inhabitants  of  the  province 
should  be  as  one  head  and  one  heart,  and  live  in  true  friendship 
and  amity  as  one  people." 

2d.  The  unfortunate  steps  never  to  be  retraced,  to  effect  a 
separation  between  the  province  and  the  territories,  or,  as  they 
were  commonly  called,  the  three  lower  counties,  now  the  State 
of  Delaware. 

3^.  Penn's  departure;  for  he  said  to  the  assembly:  "The  ene- 
mies of  the  prosperity  of  the  province  were  taking  advantage 
of  his  absence,  and  some  had  attempted  by  false  or  unreason- 
able charges  to  undermine  the  government,  and  thereby  the 


40  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OI. 

true  value  of  all  labor  and  prosperity;  .  .  .  that  nothing  should 
be  able  to  alter  his  love  to  the  country,  or  his  resolution  to  re- 
turn and  settle  his  family  and  posterity  in  it " — an  intention  never, 
alas,  to  be  realized,  although  he  had  come  with  the  purpose  of 
making  America  his  permanent  abode.  He  left  under  the 
strongest  exhibition  of  good  will :  hearts  were  softened,  past 
differences  appeared  to  be  forgotten,  and  a  spirit  of  fraternal 
friendship  lighted  up  the  countenance  of  friend,  and  seemed 
to  beam  even  from  that  of  foe,  giving  assurance  of  prolonged 
peace  and  prosperity.  But  this  was  mainly  on  the  surface  —  the 
people  were  surfeited  with  liberty,  for  having  been  hitherto 
restrained,  they  had  here  sought  refuge  from  that  restraint. 
Freedom  had  been  but  a  nominal  birthright.  The  weak 
abounded,  the  sensible  were  few  in  number,  and  the  design- 
ing and  ambitious  soon  gained  a  sway  which  could  never  be 
effectually  counteracted.  —  Editor.] 


Isaac  Norris  to  Jeffry  Pinnell. 

Philadelphia,  dth  istmo.,  1 700-1. 
The  governor,  wife,  and  daughter  well.  .  .  .  Their  little  son^  is 
a  comely,  lovely  babe,  and  has  much  of  his  father's  grace  and 
air,  and  hope  he  will  not  want  a  good  portion  of  his  mother's 
sweetness,  who  is  a  woman  extremely  well  beloved  here,  ex- 
emplary in  her  station,  and  of  an  excellent  spirit,  which  adds 
lustre  to  her  character,  and  has  a  great  place  in  the  hearts  of 
good  people.  The  governor  is  our  Pater  Patrice,  and  his  worth 
is  no  new  thing  to  us ;  we  value  him  highly,  and  hope  his  life 
will  be  preserved  till  all  things  now  on  the  wheel  are  settled 
here  to  his  peace  and  comfort,  and  the  people's  ease  and  quiet. 

^  John  Penn,  son  of  the  Proprietor  by  his  second  wife,  was  born 
shortly  after  the  arrival  of  his  parents  in  Pennsylvania,  as  I  find  by  the 
following  extract  of  a  letter. —  L. 

''(Third-day),  ^ist  iimo.,  1699. 

*'  Our  governor  has  a  son  born  last  First-day  night,  and  all  like  to 
do  well." 


lyOI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  4I 

Isaac  Norris  to  Samuel  Chew.' 

i^th  2d  mo.,  1 701. 
....  The  probability  of  war  I  perceive  is  great,  and  we 
have  it  from  Boston  that  it  is  already  proclaimed :  they  say  it 
comes  from  Virginia,  but  this  wants  confirmation,  and  I  hope 
ever  will,  war  being  a  sore  evil  upon  any  nation,  and  I  believe 
not  very  acceptable  to  ours  at  this  juncture.  The  old  sores  seem 
yet  unhealed,  and  I  believe  all  good  men  have  reason  to  dread 
the  consequences  of  a  fresh  raking  into  them.  My  soul  loves 
and  desires  peace,  and  I  pray  that  God  will  continue  it  to  the 
peaceable,  amidst  all  the  turmoils  that  are  in  the  world.  Our 
governor 's  gone  out  of  town,  to  meet  with  the  chieftains  of  the 
Indians 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan.' 

S.  Galloway's,  nth  /\th  mo.,  1701. 
All  is  well  through  mercy,  and  poor  Grace  has  borne  her 
affliction  to  admiration.  Pray  be  careful  in  my  Manor  matters, 
and  take  information  of  the  bearer,  John  Buckley,  about  I. 
Grutt's  base  shiftings,  and  other  discoveries,  especially  about 
my  Manors.     Farewell.  Thy  friend,  W.  Penn. 

»  [From  the  Norris  MSS. 

War  against  France  and  Spain  was  formally  declared  May  4, 
1702. — Editor.] 

■^  I  think  it  probable  that  the  first  paragraph  alludes  to  the  death  of 
David  Lloyd's  only  child,  a  promising  little  boy  of  seven  or  eight 
years  of  age,  whose  death,  in  his  mother's  absence,  was  occasioned  by 
a  relation,  in  whose  care  he  was  left,  putting  him,  as  a  punishment  for 
some  juvenile  offence,  into  a  closet  in  the  cellar,  where  his  terror  oc- 
casioned him  to  fall  into  fits,  which  terminated  his  existence. 

In  old  age,  his  mother,  mentioning  this  unhappy  event  to  mine,  ob- 
served that  it  was  the  utmost  stretch  of  her  Christian  principles  to  for- 
give the  perpetrator  of  it.  William  Penn,  in  a  letter  written  some  years 
after  this,  mentions  in  a  feeling  manner  the  sore  trial  which  it  must 
have  been  to  the  parents,  and  seems  to  wonder  that  the  father  could 
retain  unkind  views  and  sinister  practices  after  having  gone  through  it. 
David  Lloyd  was  not  related  to  Thomas  Lloyd,  but  being  both  Friends, 
and  fellow-countrymen,  he  had  called  the  child  after  the  excellent  first 
President  of  Pennsylvania,  and  he  was  buried  in  the  ground  in  Arch 


42  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OI. 

Hannah  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  [no  i/a/e-l 
The  bearer  brings  Jack  word  that  his  wife  Parthenia  is  sold  to 
Barbadoes,  which  makes  him  desire  to  return;  but  I  am  loath  to 
let  him  go,  because  our  washing  approaches,  but  I  should  be 
glad  to  have  a  right  information,  and  how  long  it  will  be  ere 
she  goes  ?  If  there  were  time  for  it,  and  I  were  fully  satisfied 
of  her  honesty,  I  should  be  willing  to  have  her  up  by  the  boat 
to  help  about  washing;  but  I  am  in  a  little  doubt  concerning  her, 
having  lost  more  wearing  linen  since  in  that  town  than  in 
.all  the  years  of  my  life  before.  I  cannot  charge  her  with  it,  but 
I  desire  thou  'It  send  for  Betty  Webb,  and  press  her  to  give  her 
inward  thoughts  about  her,  and  act  accordingly.  Let  her  (E. 
Webb)  look  into  the  store-room  for  a  parcel  of  clean  white  cur- 
tains, and  send  them  carefully ;  also  a  pair  of  pewter  candle- 
sticks, old  fashion,  that  came  from  hence  to  be  mended ;  and  a 
little  more  oil  from  Ann  Parson's  for  my  husband's  leg;  it  is  in  a 
fine  way  of  doing  well.  Pray  give  Ann  my  kind  love;  I  should  be 
very  glad  to  see  her  here,  to  see  her  boy,  who  thrives  every  day 
now ;  and  we  are  all,  through  mercy,  well.  Send  up  about  ten  yards 

Street,  among  the  descendants  of  Thomas  Lloyd.  David  Lloyd  was 
born  in  1656,  in  the  parish  of  Manavan,  in  the  county  of  Montgomery, 
North  Wales  ;  he  came  to  this  country  in  July,  1686,  in  the  ship  Amity, 
from  London. 

Grace  Lloyd  was  of  the  family  of  Growdon,  in  the  county  of  Bucks, 
Pennsylvania,  a  very  fine  woman,  of  great  piety,  good  sense,  excellent 
conduct,  and  engaging  manners.  She  was  deservedly  esteemed  by  all, 
survived  her  husband  many  years,  and  continued  to  live  in  the  house 
he  built  near  Chester,  and  lies  buried  by  him  in  Friends'  graveyard, 
where  a  small  stone  designates  the  resting-place  of  each.  On  that  of  the 
judge  is  inscribed:  "  Here  lyeth  the  body  of  David  Lloyd,  who  de- 
parted this  life  the  6th  day  of  the  2d  month,  Anno  Domini  1731, 
aged  78  years." — L. 

[Mrs.  Logan  was  probably  indebted  for  the  date  of  Lloyd's  coming 
into  the  province  to  the  ^^  Registry  of  Arrivals,  ^^  which  states  it  to 
have  been  on  the  15th  of  5th  month,  1686,  and  that  he  was  born  in 
the  parish  of  Manavan,  erroneously  written,  however,  for  Manaron,  in 
the  year  1656.  The  Registry  and  the  inscription  on  his  tombstone  do 
not  therefore  agree.  His  wife,  the  Registry  states,  was  Sarah  Lloyd, 
born  in  Cirencester,  Gloucestershire,  England.  Sarah  afterward  died, 
and  he  married,  secondly,  Grace  Growdon. — Editor.] 


17OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  43 

of  frieze  for  servants,  of  that  sort  that  wants  using  most,  and 
some  four  or  six  blue  shirts  if  there.  We  want  a  dozen  of 
Madeira  wine,  which  thou  mayst  send  for  G.  Emlen  or  some 
other  to  help  draw  it.  As  to  the  oil  John  spoke  of,  we  had  it 
there,  but  did  not  know  of  it,  not  having  opened  the  chest  in 
which  it  was.  The  glasses  from  R.  Hill  came  safely  and  ac- 
ceptably to  my  hand.  P.  England  mistook  my  husband  about 
licenses  :  he  only  spoke  of  an  ill  red  house  near  the  Centre,  which 
he  was  unwilling  to  grant  a  license  to.  As  to  her  that  lives  in  S. 
Atkins's  house,  for  the  same  reason,  or  worse;  though  he  thinks 
they  should  not  be  fined  for  wanting  them,  because  they  had  an 
expectation  given  of  having  them,  and  are  only  refused  for 
faults  since  committed. 

Our  love  to  Edward  Singleton :  we  are  glad  to  hear  he  has 
got  abroad.     Our  love  to  thee,  and  friends. 

Thy  friend,         H.  P. 

P.  S. —  Let  Robert  call  at  Cousin  Asheton's  for  things  she  has 
of  mine,  and  a  paper  or  two  of  smallest  pins. 


Isaac  Norris  to  Daniel  Zachary. 

Philadelphia,  21st  ^th  mo.,  1701. 
I  am  just  come  home  from  Susquehanna,  where  I  have  been 
to  meet  the  governor;  we  had  a  roundabout  journey,  having 
pretty  well  traversed  the  wilderness.  We  lived  nobly  at  the 
king's  palace  in  Conestogoa,  and  from  thence  crossed  it  to  Scool- 
kill,  where  we  fell  in  about  thirty  miles  up  from  hence. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  30///  j\th  mo.,  1701. 
I  forgot  a  material  point  —  the  last  Indian  instrument  from 
the  Conestogo  Indians  —  which  I  must  have,  or  a  copy,  before  I 
can  answer  Col.  Blackiston's  letter;  a  false  story  firing  two  or 
three  of  their  foolish  people  of  our  inviting  the  Piscataways 
from  Maryland,  instead  of  their  seeking  to  us :  but  Governor 


44  PENN   AND   I.OGAN  [l/OI. 

Blackiston  would  not  believe  it.  Fail  not,  therefore,  to  send  it 
to  Samuel  Jennings  for  me  with  speed,  who  will  be  with  me ;  or 
send  it  by  Go\^  Hamilton,  who  dines  with  me  on  Fourth-day. 
Also  thy  sentiments  by  Judge  Guest,  who  comes  up  to-morrow 
to  Burlington,  in  order  to  be  here  with  Gov.  Hamilton,  by 
whom  thou  mayst  send  the  deed  directly.  Get  us  a  third 
of  a  good  pipe  of  Madeira  for  our  own  use.  We  are,  through 
mercy,  well  —  the  maids  better. 

Be  vigorous  about  my  property  matters,  and  tell  R.  Hallowell 
I  take  it  ill  he  keeps  the  letter  to  Lewis  about  the  king's^  .  .  , 
so  long,  and  never  sent  it !  He  may  chance  to  hear  of  it  un- 
pleasantly.    Vale.  Wm.  Penn. 

Send  up  the  parlor  bell,  three  or  four  stock-locks,  three  or 
four  pounds  of  nails,  from  four  to  ten  penny. 

My  husband  is  willing  R.  R.  should  have  six  on  Thomas 
Grey's  account,  he  giving  bond  for  the  remainder  due  on  excise. 

H.  P. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan.^ 

Philadelphia,  First-day  (13M  5/A  mo.,  1701.) 
I  am  sorry  the  time  of  my  coming  to  town  is  that  of  thy  going 
and  absence,  when  it  is  of  such  moment  that  thou  hadst  been  here 
when  I  came  to  town,  both  with  respect  to  York  and  Maryland 
affairs,  as  they  regard  us.  The  king's  letters,  the  assembly,  if 
sit  or  not,  a  lieutenant-governor,  as  well  as  the  excise,  and  tax, 
which  this  one  county  pays  one-half  of — of  more  moment  to 
me  than  thy  presence  yonder  by  far.  I  know  not  what  service 
thy  stay  here  was  of,  where,  against  promise  to  them  below, 
thou  hast  thought  fit  to  remain  ten  or  twelve  days,  if  not  more, 
beyond  mine  as  well  as  their  expectation.  I  cannot  easily 
comprehend  it,  since  nothing  was  actually  done  either  about 
excise  or  rents  here,  and  nobody  yet  come  from  Maryland  that 
required  shipping  any  flour :  nay,  T.  Masters  was  let  loose  by 
thee  from  what  he  offered  me  in  case  the  sloop  comes,  which 


^  Here  a  word  is  wanting  ;  perhaps  it  is  "  letters." — L. 
*  Superscribed  :   ' '  With  speed  and  care. "  —  L. 


IJOI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  45 

the  Friends  there  promised  before  now  to  be  here;  so  that  I  was 
forced  to  re-engage  him  for  seven  ton,  if  not  ten  ton.  This  is 
the  face  things  have  to  me. 

Fcr  the  non-payers  of  excise,  I  think  I  have  overcome  it,  but 
will  not  say  I  have  done  as  much  as  thou  promised  to  do  to 
Perry.  W.  P. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

i^th  ^th  mo.,  1 701. 

I  have  wanted  thee  for  a  proclamation  for  the  sitting  of  the 
assembly,  at  the  time  to  consider  of  the  king's  letters,  etc.,  that 
we  may  not  prorogue  again,  when  we  should  call  or  hasten  the 
sitting  of  an  assembly,  as  well  as  divers  other  things  of 
moment  —  N.  Puckle  going  so  soon,  with  whom  I  would 
have  sent  something — tobacco,  twenty  hogsheads  or  forty,  if  I 
could  have  called  out  so  many  good  ones  of  bright  tobacco. 
In  short,  pray  dispatch  and  be  here  by  this  day  or  to-morrow 
week.  For  the  bank  there,  get  it  as  here,  if  can,  or  leave  it  to  the 
assembly  time  for  me  to  talk  over  with  them.  Judge  Guest  is 
this  day  admitted  of  the  council.  Governor  Hamilton  in  town: 
nothing  yet  done  conclusive,  nor  shall,  till  the  assembly  is  over, 
I  think.  Remember  to  get  what  thou  canst  in  wheat  and  flour 
to  comply  with  the  Friends  of  Maryland  for  bills  —  this  to  thy- 
self; also  the  money  of  the  tax  lies  at  Chester,  with  Andrew 
Job  there,  these  two  or  three  months,  which  wants  to  be  re- 
ceived. 

I  admire  how  thou  couldst  stay  so  long  here  when  nothing 
required  it,  and  nothing  is  done :  take  this  repetition  well,  for  I 
am  heartily  touched :  we  thus  take  our  turns  to  be  absent.  And 
am,  Thy  loving  friend,  W.  Penn. 

P.  S.  —  For  the  rent  thou  writ  of,  I  think  tzuo  bushels  of  one 
hundred  acres  is  reasonable,  my  Manors  to  submit  to  manor 
royalty. 

P.  Rob  ^  will  deliver  thee  the  records.  Pray  hear  his  caution, 
and  D.  Lloyd's,  and  see  if  a  medium  can  be  found. 

'Patrick  Robinson.  There  was  also  Peter  Robinson,  one  of  the 
old  settlers  in  Philadelphia  county.     See  the  old  map  by  Thornton 


46  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OI. 

For  T.  Pearson,  engage  him  per  day,  or  a  certain  salary,  and 
take  the  best  way  and  do  what  is  most  beneficial.  What  if  I 
had  twelve  pence  per  foot  front  to  low-water  mark  forever,  so 
every  hundred  foot  front  would  make  five  pounds  per  annum 
more,  if  thou  canst. 

Thomas  Fairman  ^  comes  with  this  to  clear  himself,  and  to  do 
what  he  can  in  reason  for  my  service.     Vale. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  \']th  ^th  mo.,  1701. 

The   master   is   come,  and   wants   twenty  ton  of  flour   and 

bread,  and  I  want  thee.     J.  Saunders  is  gone  with  him  to  town ; 

but  before  I  can  up  any,  I  would  know  what  thou  hast  for  me 

elsewhere,  as  at  Newcastle  or  Chester.^     Things  happen  cross 

&  Greene. — L.  [We  are  aware  of  no  "map  by  Thornton  and  Greene," 
and  an  inquiry  made  by  us  of  the  librarian  of  the  British  Museum, 
which  is  in  possession  of  a  large  collection  of  the  maps  of  this  country, 
does  not  confirm  the  existence  of  any  such  map.  Upon  the  corner  of 
that  by  Thomas  Holmes  we  find  it  stated  that  it  was  ''  sold  by  Thorn- 
ion  &^  Greene,  of  London,'"  which  may  show  that  Mrs.  Logan  probably 
referred  to  the  map  by  Holmes. — Editor.] 

^  Thomas  Fairman  was  a  surveyor. — L.  [See,  as  to  T.  F. ,  letter  of 
30th  5th  mo.,  1 701,  and  the  note  to  same. — Editor.] 

*  Chester  was  at  that  time  considered  a  place  of  some  consequence. 
A  large  old  building  called  the  Granary,  and  a  bake-house  for  the  sup- 
ply of  shipping,  are  still  [in  181 7]  standing,  though  long  in  disuse.  There 
was  also  a  large  dwelling-house,  called  by  the  inhabitants  "the  double 
house,"  the  property  of  the  ^^ Sander lins,'^*  a  Swedish  family  settled 
at  Chester  before  the  arrival  of  Wm.  Penn,  which,  being  built  with 
lime  made  of  oyster-shells,  became  ruinous,  and  fell  down  many  years 
since,  which  was  also  the  fate,  i"rom  the  same  cause,  of  a  large  house 
of  very  early  date  in  Front  Street,  Philadelphia,  built  by  Richard  Whit- 
paine,  and  which  in  1705  was  complained  of  to  the  court  as  dangerous 
to  others  in  the  neighborhood.  The  house  in  Chester  was  that  in 
which  the  first  assembly  for  the  province  and  territories  was  held. — L. 

*  [James  Sandelands  was  from  Scotland,  not  Sweden  ;  his  wife,  however,  was 
of  Swedish  descent.  It  is  stated  somewhere  in  the  "  Breviat^''  Penn  vs.  Lord  Balti- 
more, that  the  Proprietor  would  have  established  his  capital  city  at  Upland,  now 
called  Chester,  could  he  have  come  to  terms  with  Sandelands  about  the  purchase  of 
land ;  but  we  incline  to  believe  a  weightier  reason  changed  his  purpose,  which  was 
the  uncertainty  of  his  boundary  line.  For  some  account  of  Sandelands,  see  note 
by  the  editor  to  "  Record  of  Upland  Court,"  p.  167 ;  Memoirs  of  Historical  Society 
of  Pennsylvania,  vol.  vii.  —  Editor.] 


IJOI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  47 

at  this  juncture  by  thy  absence,  we  see.     All,  through  mercy, 
well,  only  my  broken  shin. 

If  thou  wast  here,  poor  Tishe^  might  have  one  bill  home  for 
Charles  Read's  pay,  he  or  his  money  supplying  with  some  of 
the  flour  now  needed.     Vale.  Wm,  Penn. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  2^d  <,th  mo.,  1701. 
I  was  for  trying  yesterday  to  have  come  to  town,  but  was 
feverish,  and  a  cold  upon  me,  besides  an  ill  shin.  To-day  my 
cold  is  worse  than  yesterday,  and  have  had  a  restless,  feverish 
night,  so  that  I  am  doubtful  I  shall  not  come  this  afternoon; 
and  if  so,  intend  a  good  sweat  to-night,  and  to-morrow  by  land 
or  water  to  undertake  my  journey.  My  daughter^  was  ill  yes- 
terday with  fever  and  cold,  but  has  had  a  good  night,  and  is 
better.  John  should  return  as  soon  as  he  well  can.  I  sent  by  my 
wife  the  .  .  .  .^  Let  a  warrant  be  prepared  for  Wm.  Clayton, 
for  five  hundred  acres,  against  I  come  down.  No  more  at  pres- 
ent, but  my  love  to  friends. 

Thy  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  7,0th  ^th  mo.,  1701. 
I  have  thine  by  Thomas  Fairman.*    I  can  only  say  that  I  will 
be  certain   in  my  own  right,  and  that  he  shall.     I   intend  him 

^  Letitia,  the  Proprietor's  daughter  by  his  first  wife. — L. 

'■'  Letitia,  his  only  living  daughter,  by  Gulielma  Maria  Springett,  his 
first  wife,  and  who  at  this  time  was  with  her  father  in  America. — L. 

'  [Illegible. — Editor.] 

*  James  Logan  expressed  the  following  opinion  of  this  person  in  a 
letter  written  a  few  years  after  this  period  :  "I  have  not  yet  discovered 
Thomas  Fairman  about  those  great  tracts  of  land.  Thou.fully  knows  my 
opinion  of  the  man,  and  time  does  not  alter  it.  His  letter,  perhaps, 
may  be  of  service  to  thee,  but  there  is  no  dependence  upon  him." — L. 
[Penn  as  well  as  Logan,  of  course,  felt  that  they  had  full  justifica- 
tion for  these  charges  against  Thomas  Fairman,  yet  it  is  not  improb- 


48  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [j/OI. 

the  island  under  some  moderate  conditions,  as  mowing  for 
my  own  use,  and  having  some  hogs  on  it  with  him,  till  it  be 
drained  or  improved,  of  which  more  when  in  town,  so  that  I  am 
content  to  oblige  him;  but  remember  that  I  ask  thee  a  question 
about  the  letter  he  writ  thee  when  I  come  to  town.  I  would 
have  him  to  be  a  commissioner  of  property  with  brother  Pen- 
nington ^  and  thyself,  could  brother  Pennington  digest  it,  and  so 
leave  you  to  do  all,  and  set  once  a  week  to  do  all  that  is  re- 
quisite to  raise  money  and  secure  lands.  Let  the  council  not 
expect  me  till  two  or  three  (in)  the  afternoon,  in  case  they 
meet  at  nine.  For  Judge  Guest,  I  know  not  what  to  say  to  the 
extraordinary  commission.  Methinks,  if  he  be  first  named  in  a 
general  [way  at]  large,  it  would  give  less  exception ;  yet  upon 
the  notice  of  being  the  only  lawyer  of  them,  may  excuse  a  larger 
commission  ;  but  more  of  this  in  town.  Pray  don't  hurt  him 
by  an  appearance  of  neglect,  less  of  slight,  since  I  am  determined 
to  try  him,  and  let  him  be  on  his  own  merits.     Vale. 

Wm.  Penn. 
Let  my  cousin  Markham  have  the  enclosed,  and  do  thou  de- 
mand of  him  all  books,  papers,  commission  and  instructions, 
and  whatever  to  the  office  of  property  did  belong,  for  the  half  is 
not  in  my  hands.  Get  in,  I  say  again,  from  my  cousin  Mark- 
ham,  also  S.  Carpenter,  J.  Guest  or  Francis  Rawle,  and  J.  Good- 
son,  all  papers  relating  to  property. 

able  they  may  have  been  mistaken.  There  are  circumstances  which,  if 
unexplained,  may  affect  the  record  of  any  individual  engaged  in  public 
service.  The  good  old  saying,  that  one  side  is  entitled  to  credit  until 
the  other  is  heard,  has  so  fair  an  aspect  that  we  constantly  cite  it, 
although  we  rarely  put  it  into  practice ;  yet  as  relates  to  charges  long 
since  made,  how  often  does  it  happen,  from  the  loss  of  contemporary 
evidence,  that  but  one  side  only  is  heard.  It  was,  therefore,  with 
pleasure,  that,  from  the  papers  collected  by  the  late  Mr.  George  M. 
Justice,  kindly  placed  at  our  disposal  by  his  son,  Mr.  Philip  S.  Justice, 
we  obtained  the  letter  to  be  found  upon  the  next  page.  —  Editor.] 

'  Son  of  Isaac  Pennington,  a  celebrated  minister  in  the  Society  of 
Friends,  and  of  Mary  Springett,  widow  of  Sir  W.  Springett,  and  mother 
of  Gulielma  Maria,  the  Proprietor's  first  wife.  He  was  surveyor- 
general,  but  died  of  the  small-pox  shortly  after  Wm.  Penn  left  Penn- 
sylvania.—  L. 


I^OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  49 

Thomas  Fairman  to  William  Penn. 

Governor:  —  Enclosed  is  what  I  promised  for  the  first  part, 
considering  I  have  above  six  thousand  acres  of  land  of  my  own 
yet  to  take  up,  and  much  more  for  my  friends,  I  must  conclude 
myself  a  fool,  a  friend,  or  a  self-denying  man,  and  to  which  I 
might  add  a  k,  had  I  not  had  some  private  instructions  from 
Tho.  Cox,  and  other  of  thy  good  friends  my  master;  never- 
theless they  shall  have  land  worth  their  money,  with  as  much 
favor  to  the  Proprietor  as  honestly  it  can  be.  The  Proprietor 
may  confide  in  my  having  ever  (without  reward)  preferred  his 
interest,  and  dare  challenge  the  whole  country  to  manifest  the 
contrary.  I  confess  I  have  took  it  a  little  hardly  that  strangers 
less  capable  have  been  preferred  to  offices  of  profit,  and  myself 
overlooked. 

I  can  say,  since  I  came  from  England,  I  have  never  had  in  all 
the  value  of  forty  shillings  for  any  surveys  or  other  business 
done  whatsoever,  and  I  am  sure  the  account  of  my  house  and 
expense  stands  little  above  one  hundred  and  forty  pounds  since 
my  arrival,  besides  what  my  plantation  hath  brought  in ;  and  I 
will  never  survey  for  one-half,  and  were  I  surveyor-general  my- 
self, I  should  be  charged  with  oppression  to  allow  my  deputy 
less  than  two-thirds  of  the  survey  wages :  there  wants  but  a 
word  from  my  mouth  and  he  would  hardly  find  a  deputy  in  the 
province;  besides,  my  circumstances  are  not  as  theirs;  my 
knowledge  in  the  three  counties  exceeding ;  besides,  above  six- 
teen years  ago,  at  my  own  charge  for  hands,  horses,  and  pro- 
visions, I  laid  out  many  manors  for  the  Proprietor,  and  never 
had  a  penny  consideration ;  and  also,  besides  all  that,  the  Pro- 
prietor may  remember  how  I  have  been  as  his  boy,  as  I  may 
say  at  a  whistle,  viz. :  go  show  this  and  that  man,  such  and  the 
other  piece  of  land,  riding  my  own  horse  and  sometimes  two, — 
one  for  the  person  to  be  showed.  But  this  is  all  passed:  I  men- 
tion it  to  show  the  difference,  and  much  more  I  could  say,  of  my 
service  at  Governor  Markham's  first  arrival,  and  my  unprofitable 
travels  with  Thomas  Holme,  beside  my  business,  who  at  last 
died  my  debtor  as  per  account  one  hundred  and  forty-seven 
pounds,  of  which  I  never  had  a  penny. 

VOL.  I.— 5 


so  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OI. 

If  I  had  beea  a  selfish  man  as  Jo.  Goodson  would  represent 
me,  I  might  have  had  a  fine  house  at  least  in  the  country,  since 
I  have  neither  house  or  lot  in  town.  Pray,  governor,  excuse 
me;  methinks  I  see  myself  angry,  but  I  know  not  with  whom,  and 
therefore  I  think  I  must  close. 

Governor,  accept  my  endeavors  in  computing  and  valuing 
those  lands.  I  am  sure  I  am  not  under  for  quantity,  nor  over 
for  intrinsic  value;  and  as  for  the  bank  lots,  'tis  but  an  essay.  I 
presume  I  have  undervalued  them,  because  the  purchase  is  not 
eighteen  shillings  per  foot,  and  I  should  think  twenty  shillings 
or  more  will  be  given.  So  with  my  service  I  take  leave,  who 
am  thy  friend,  Tho.  Fairman. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  dthmo.,  1701. 
Send  us  up  for  cider  ^  what  barrels  thou  canst  get  in  town,  by 
the  very  first  opportunity.  I  mean  such  as  are  sweet,  and  have 
had  cider  in  them  —  they  will  be  cheapest;  also  an  empty  pipe 
or  two  to  put  the  mash  of  the  apples  in,  being  sawn  asunder. 
I  here  enclose  this  honest,  but  weak,  man's  paper.  I  think  I 
have  convinced  him  that  I  am  one  of  the  poorest  men  in  the 
government,  and  that  my  sin  has  been  neglect  of  myself,  and 
not  selfishness,  and  therefore  ought,  and  must,  make  the  best 
of  everything.  It  seems  he  has  much  stony  and  poor  moun- 
tainous lands,  and  he  thinks  two  bushels  a  hundred  acres'  an 
oppression.  I  told  him  I  must  have  but  one  weight  and  scale ; 
he  says  there  are  two,  and  some  say  but  one  (bushel)  by  patents 
from  the  commissioners  under  me.  I  referred  it  to  thee,  and  told 
him  and  did  believe  thou  wouldst  be  just  and  reasonable.  Quiet 
him  all  thou  canst,  and  haste  down  again.  Ask  him  what 
Joseph  Growdon   told    him,  and  what    the    people  below  say, 

*  Retired  into  the  country  and  busied  in  rural  concerns,  the  name 
of  William  Penn  may  be  added  to  the  list  of  those  illustrious  characters 
who  have  found  solace  from  the  cares  of  state  in  such  employments, 
and  which  the  accomplished  Xenophon  thought  was  the  only  recrea- 
tion worthy  of  persons  of  high  stations. — L. 

*  Quit-rents. —  L. 


I/OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  51 

though  of  little  moment.     I  think  we  will  send  in  a  day  or  two 
for  the  casks.     S.  Holt  may  help  us  to  them  cheaper.     Vale. 

W.  P. 

On  the  outside  of  this  letter  is  the  following  postscript :    '  He 
tells  me  of  the  hard  circumstances  of  one  James  Davis,  hear  it." 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  13///  6fh  mo.,  1701. 

Forget  not  to  provide  some  larget  vessels  for  the  keeping  of 
cider  than  barrels:  4  barrels  and  4  hogsheads  will  do,  and  if  no 
hogsheads,  then  two  pipes,  one  at  least.  Remember  that  in  2 
of  my  letters  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  I  promised  the  laws  by  the 
first. ship  that  goes  hence;  so  that  I  shall  be  under  a  necessity 
of  sending  some,  and,  indeed  excepting  those  that  alienate  my 
fines,  and  that  of  property  as  it  stands,  the  generality  may  go  as 
they  are ;  for  this  I  must  stop  N.  P.,^  if  it  be  for  a  week.  Pray 
get  them  transcribed  by  good  hands  with  all  speed.  I  send 
John  Saunders  to  be  helpful,  and  I  desire  cousin  Asheton  to 
assist.  It  is  thy  business,  for  it  was  P.  Rob,^  and  he  did  it.  I 
have  marked  his  old  roll  copy  which  I  lent  my  cousin  Asheton, 
either  what  were  by  me  presented  when  at  London,  or  what 
were  left  out  of  the  old  laws.  The  nature  of  those  marked  will 
declare  which  they  were ;  pray  look  into  them  ;  I  did  it  with  a 
black-lead  pencil.  I  wish  to  have  them  for  my  own  satisfac- 
tion. Send  me  per  first  opportunity  what  N.  P.  says  as  to  his 
going,  and  dispatch  the  laws.  I  would  pay  cousin  Asheton  or 
brother  Pennington  if  would  undertake  it. 

J.  Saunders  writes  well  too,  though  may  not  be  so  fast ;  let 
them  be  writ,  especially  the  long  ones,  in  single  sheets  or 
papers.  I  wrote  yesterday  per  Oliver  Matthews,  of  Newcastle 
county,  but  this  comes  first  I  suppose;  pray  mind  the  contents 
of  it.  I  purpose  to  be  in  town  Seventh  or  Second  day,  according 
as  I  hear  of  N.  Puckle.  Farewell.  W.  P. 

'  Nathaniel  Puckle,  a  captain  in  the  "Bristol  Trader." — L. 
*  Patrick  Robinson. — L. 


52  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OI. 

David  Lloyd  makes  a  probable  motion  to  me,  which  hear  and 
consider. 


Isaac  Norris  to  Philip  Ford.^ 

20th  of  6th  mo. ,  1 70 1 . 
This  comes  per  thy  son,  who  returns  per  Puckle.  I  hope  he  will 
get  safe  home  every  way  as  well  to  your  satisfaction  as  he  came 
out :  his  character  here  is  sober,  and  I  hope  the  air  of  America 
will  be  no  disadvantage  to  him.  I  must  say  he  has  carried 
himself  with  that  good-nature  and  discretion  in  the  family,  that 
he  has  made  his  company  very  easy  and  pleasant  to  us,  the  lit- 
tle time  he  has  been  with  us.  I  have  no  knowledge  of  his  busi- 
ness, but  hope  he  has  managed  as  wisely  as  closely.  I  wish 
his  prosperity  every  way,  and  that  his  years  to  come  may  yet 
increase  thy  comfort  in  him 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  6th  7^r.,  1701. 

Prepare  duplicates  to  go  by  Edward  Shippen's  ship,  of  what 
went  last.  I  have  writ  to  Lord  Romney,  and  send  it  now  to  be 
copied.  Remember  to  mention  that  received  from  the  Lords  of 
Trade,  received  since  the  other  was  writ  in  the  duplicate  of  mine 
to  them,  with  an  account  of  the  date  of  theirs,  and  that  of  its 
arrival.  The  Lords'  letter  is  15th  April,  1701  ;  the  king's,  19th 
January,  1700,  which  I  take  to  be  a  duplicate  to  me;  but  I  cannot 
understand  what  they  mean  about  proceedings  in  courts  upon 
directions  from  the  Lords  Justices,  which  I  cannot  comprehend, 
for  none  I  have  but  that  about  appeals.  Our  law  makes  no 
saving  for  them,  though  confirmed  so  by  the  king;  a  good  argu- 
ment to  alter  it  before  I  go. 

I  hope  J.  Guest  and  T.  Story  are  diligent  therein,  as  also 
about  the  rest  we  left  out  for  amendments. 

'  [From  the  Norris  MSS. — Editor.] 

[The  writer,  as  will  be  seen  hereafter,  changed  his  opinion  of  this 
young  man,  the  object  of  whose  visit  to  Pennsylvania  had  reference  to 
the  claim  of  the  father  against  Penn. — Editor.] 


I70I.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  S3 

I  wish  somewhat  could  be  done,  before  I  go,  in  the  New- 
castle affairs  ;  't  is  to  me  material  also  to  account  with  S.  Jen- 
nings, to  whom  it  were  fit  thou  writest  on  that  head ;  I  admire 
he  delays  it  thus,  but  I  confess  I  shall  do  little  in  some  such 
matters  till  I  see  how  things  go  with  me  on  the  other  side. 
As  to  the  rest,  if  hard,  I  must  expect  my  right  to  the  full.  I 
have  drawn  up  more  of  my  memorial,  in  which  I  include  that  of 
the  people  with  my  own  interest. 

I  would  have  the  Wicaco  business  prepared  for  me  against 
my  return  to  town.  Mind  it.  I  am  sorry  thou  hast  not  sent 
my  New  York  letters,  that  I  might  have  writ  the  needful.  Was 
mine  to  Walter  Clark  enclosed  and  sent  last  post,  as  I  desired  ? 
What  is  done  at  court;  and  has  it  adjourned?  No  more  now 
than  that  we  are  well.  Thy  real  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

Visit  Cap.  Finney  in  my  name.  I  think  to  be  in  town  Fourth  or 
Fifth  day.  Ply  David  Lloyd  discreetly ;  dispose  him  to  a  pro- 
prietary plan,  and  the  privileges  requisite  for  the  people's  and 
Friends'  security.  I  had  rather  the  lower  counties  began  with 
me  than  I  with  them,  else  care  not  to  hold  the  assembly  of  the 
province. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  Ztk  ibr.,  1701. 
The  necessity  of  my  going  makes  it  absolutely  necessary  for 
me  to  have  a  supply,  and  though  I  think  a  ^1,000  should  be  forth- 
with raised,  by  Friends  at  least,  to  help  me,  yet,  while  land 
is  high  and  valuable,  I  am  willing  to  dispose  of  many  good 
patches  that  else  I  should  have  chosen  to  have  kept  as  every- 
body's money.  To  set  about  this,  I  desire  T.  Fairman  and  E. 
P.  to  come  to  me  hither.  I  have  opened  my  mind  therein  to 
them,  and  they  have  assured  me  that  they  will  forthwith,  a  week 
now  being  more  than  six  months  another  season.  They  will 
communicate  to  thee  all  they  know  and  remember,  and  endeavor 
to  find  out  what  customers  they  can,  and  acquaint  thee  of  the 
value  to  set  on  the  premises,  in  order  to  immediate  supplies. 
The  present  Welsh  from  England  are  divers  of  them  rich,  and 


54  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OI. 

will  want  quantities,  and  T.  Fairman  undertakes  to  accommo- 
date them  handsomely.  Lose  not  the  opportunity.  D.  P.  can 
go  among  them,  to  prevent  others,  and  direct  them  to  thee ;  and 
for  quantities,  none  else  can  spare  them,  unless  S.  Carpenter^ 
should  sell  his  or  part  of  his  5,000  acres,  which  I  am  apt  to 
think  he  will  not  do.  This  highly  concerns  me ;  wherefore, 
lose  no  time.  They  tell  me  what  David  Lloyd  has  declared  as 
to  my  powers  in  proprietary  matters,  by  which  I  perceive  it  is 
public.  Let  him  know  my  mind,  occasionally,  in  company  of 
S.  Carpenter,  &c.  Now  or  never;  and. while  he  is  on  the  draught 
of  that  scheme,  follow  thou  my  particular  affairs  with  all  pos- 
sible vigilance  and  expedition ;  though  how  to  return  it  I  know 
not,  unless  in  bills  upon  dollars  sent  to  Maryland;  and  that  way, 
I  hope,  I  may  be  helped.  If  thou  takest  in  brother  Pennington 
to  assist,  it  may  do  well ;  but  all  under  present  secrecy,  not  to 
be  known,  lest  it  stop  others  from  a  full  and  due  provision. 
The  iron  is  now  hot ;  therefore  strike.  I  fear,  as  mine  by  T. 
Eberden,  to-day,  too  many,  or  more  than  two,  going  with  me, 
will  augment  the  charge,  and  so  lessen  my  proportion  of  sup- 
ply. Who  can  I  take,  that  would  go,  that  might  be  ministerial 
to  me?  Caleb  Pusey,  if  he  could  write  well,  has  the  best  drudg- 
ing sense,  and  would  be  observant.  If  some  go,  they  may,  if 
not  governable  by  me,  act  secretly,  to  my  clogging,  and  in  a 
way  of  distrust  which  would  obstruct  my  treaty  and  negotiation. 
This  is  a  conjecture  at  large.  I  will  say  no  more  of  this  now  — 
only  this  :  that  those  who  would  stay  me  for  their  own  ends, 
may  go  for  them,  too ;  though  I  have  enough  to  shame  them 
there  and  everywhere  else.     Think  of  it  sedately. 

Thy  amendments  of  the  Bill  of  Property  deliberate  upon,  for 
that  is  a  cardinal  point  with  me,  to  be  sure ;  and  Nicholas  Wain 
and  Anthony  Morris  should  be  treated  with  upon  that  head. 
Joseph  Growdon,  and  J.  Swift,  who  had  the  first  choice,  and 
would  not  serve  without  J.  Growdon,  but  against  them  all ;  of 
lOG  freeholders,  there  were  but  31  present — an  ill  precedent  for 
elections,  and  which  I  could  regret,  for  many  here  are  troubled 

^  This  tract  was  in  Philadelphia  county,  adjoining  the  manor  of 
Morelands.     (See  old  map.)  —  L. 


I/OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  55 

at  it,  and  have  so  declared  themselves  to  me.  I  think  to  stay 
over  their  court,  which  will  be  next  Fourth-day.  Poor  Phineas 
is  a  dying  man,  and  was  not  at  the  election,  though  he  crept,  as 
I  may  say,  to  meeting,  yesterday.  I  am  grieved  at  it,  for  he 
has  not  his  fellow,  and  without  him,  this  is  a  poor  country 
indeed. 

I  cannot  prevail  on  my  wife  to  stay,  and  still  less  with  Fisher. 
I  know  not  what  to  do.  Samuel  Carpenter  seems  to  excuse  her 
in  it;  but,  to  all  that  speak  of  it,  say  I  shall  have  no  need  to 
stay,  and  a  great  interest  to  return ;  all  that  I  have  to  dispose 
of  in  this  world  is  here,^  for  daughter  and  son,  and  all  the  issue 
which  this  wife  is  like  to  bring  me,  and  that  having  no  more 
gains  by  government  to  trust  to  for  bread,  I  must  come  to  sell, 
pay  debts,  and  live,  and  lay  up  for  this  posterity,  as  well  as  that 
they  may  see  that  my  inclinations  run  strongly  to  a  country  and 
proprietary  life,  which  then  I  shall  be  at  liberty  to  follow,  to- 
gether with  her  promise  to  return  whenever  I  am  ready  to 
return.  I  confess  this  is  one  of  the  greatest  arguments  for  some 
Friends  of  note  going  with  us  —  to  bring  us  back  again;  else 
they  can  do  but  little  there,  and  their  expense  may  better 
help  me. 

We  want  a  little  good  Madeira  wine,  and  some  of  the  last 
white  wine,  if  thou  canst  hit  upon  it.  I  am  troubled  at  Judge 
Guest's  heat  to  Samuel  Carpenter  —  in  a  judge  it  is  scandalous. 
Try  to  cool  him.  His  being  so  indiscreet  is  his  great  fault. 
Fifth  or  Sixth  day,  expect  me.  Methinks  Captain  Finney  might 
help  us  with  English  pay,  and  Thomas  Fairman  and  cousin 
Asheton  should  try  to  get  him  to  b»uy  off  some  tracts  and 
patches ;  and,  indeed,  it  is  his  own  interest  as  well  as  my  con- 
venience. I  shall  say  no  more ;  only  let  it  be  a  measure  fixed, 
that  proprietor  and  freeholders  can  have  but  one  interest,  and 
that  jealousies,  as  in  England,  are  injurious  and  unreasonable. 
The  ass  in  the  fable,  and  the  dog  likewise.     Vale. 

Wm.  Penn. 

^  His  Irish,  and  perhaps  other,  estates  were  entailed  on  his  eldest 
son,  William,  then  in  England. — L, 


56  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OI. 

P.  S.  —  My  leather  stockings^  are  at  Christopher's,  or  at  T. 
E.'s,  or  in  the  house ;  send  them,  pray. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Pennsbury,  Sth  ']br.,  1 70 1. 

I  intend  to  go  in  the  "Messenger,"  and  as  soon  as  may  be 
after  the  assembly  is  up.  Samuel  Carpenter,  Isaac  Norris,  Caleb 
Pusey,  and  Samuel  Jennings  —  Samuel  Carpenter  and  myself 
have  talked  of  about  going  with  me.  Will  it  not  devour  what 
they  should  allow  me,  and  signify  nothing  on  t'other  side,  as  to 
the  bargain  ?  For  no  man  living  can  defend  us  or  bargain  for  us 
better  than  myself  ^Men  that  can  be  witnesses  may  do  well.  S.  C, 
T.  S.,  and  H.  Ro.  agree  as  to  proprietary  powers  and  courts.  Push 
that  preparation  by  patent  or  bill,  and  remember  that  the  law  of 
courts  has  no  saving  upon  appeals,  as  against  the  laws  of  England. 

Let  John  bring  up  my  other  hair-trunk,  my  leather  stockings, 
twelve  bottles  of  Madeira  wine,  and  as  many  of  the  new  white 
wine,  or  six  apiece. 

B.  Cool  posts  me  over  on  diverse  accounts,  though  my  own 
chiefly,  but  his  letters  are  a  month  older  than  Guy's. 

If  Cap.  Finney  would  buy  some  near  patches,  and  one  of 
Fisher's  lots  before  otherwise  engaged,  Thomas  Fairman  would 
be  of  use  then  to  inform  him,  and  might  serve  him;  two  or  three 
more  of  such  men  would  do  well  to  balance  the  other  party. 
I  would  have  thee  to  get  well  with  him,  and  the  Independent 
priest  also,  for  he  is  yet«iway,  and  bears  Dissenters. 

A  runnel  of  ale  from  Philadelphia  or  Burlington  should  be 
brought  us :  we  make  our  own  small-beer.  I  think  to  be  in 
town  Fifth  or  Sixth  day.  Phineas'  is  very  weak,  more  like  to 
go  than  to  remain.     Vale.  Wm.  P. 

*  An  old  woman,  at  Chester,  who  could  remember  seeing  the  Lord 
Cornbury  at  that  place,  and  observing  him  with  particular  attention 
because  he  was  the  queen's  cousin  and  a  lord,  could  find  no  differ- 
ence between  him  and  those  she  had  been  accustomed  to  see,  but  that 
he  wore  leather  stockings.  They  were,  probably,  an  ugly  variety.  — L. 
'  [These  passages  are  obscure  ;  something  has  been  omitted  in  the 
manuscript. — Editor.  ] 
^  Phineas  Pemberton :  he  died  soon  after  theProprietor's  departure. — L. 


I/OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  57 

Tell  R.  Janney  the  young  man  can  neither  plough  nor  mo^v, 
but  has  been  mostly  used  to  driving,  is  ready  and  good-natured, 
but  swears.  The  young  woman  we  should  be  glad  to  harve.  if 
possible,  but  think  the  young  man  not  so  fit. 


Isaac  Norris  to  Daniel  Zachary.^ 

2(}th  of  'jth  mo.,  1 701. 
....  Our  assembly  still  sits,  and  my  time  almost  taken  up, 
that  I  am  quite  weary  of  state  affairs.  Judge  Guest  is  made 
our  chief  judge,  upon  which  Judge  Growdon  would  not  act  as 
his  inferior.  Caleb  Pusey  is  in,  and  what  is  the  wonder  of  us  all, 
Thomas  Masters  has,  without  taking  his  degree  of  a  justice, 
leaped  at  once  to  be  one  of  the  five  judges 


Isaac  Norris  to  Daniel  Zachary,  of  Boston. 

Philadelphia,  ^d?>thmo.,  1701. 
Our  assembly  still  sits,  and  little  done ;  for  the  Philistines  be 
upon  us  still.  They  are  now  worse  than  ever,  believing  them- 
selves cock-sure  of  the  government  change.  Their  endeavors 
are  (I  mean  the  lower  county  members  and  our  malcontents 
here)  to  leave  us,  if  possible,  without  laws  or  liberties  —  oppose 
anything  that  we  offer  for  our  settlement.  Our  governor  is 
much  grieved  at  this  parting  carriage  of  the  people,  and  highly 
resents  an  address  made  to  the  assembly,  and  from  them  recom- 
mended to  him.  I  know  not  how  things  will  end,  but  at  pres- 
ent they  have  a  very  ill  visage. 


Isaac  Norris  to  Jeffry  Pinnell. 

Philadelphia,  27/A  Zbr.,  1701. 
This  comes  by  our  proprietor  and  governor,  Penn,  who,  with 
his  family,  are  undertaking  this  hazardous  voyage  at  too  hard  a 

»  [Norris  MSS.— Editor.] 


58  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OI. 

season.  I  earnestly  desire  and  pray  for  their  preservation  and 
safety  —  him  we  shall  want.  The  unhappy  misunderstandings 
in  some,  and  unwarrantable  opposition  in  others,  have  been  a 
block  to  our  plenary  comforts  in  him,  and  his  own  quiet;  but 
these  things  are  externals  only.  Our  communion  in  the  church 
sweetens  all,  and  our  inward  waitings  and  worships  together 
have  often  been  a  general  comfort  and  consolation  ;  and  in  this  I 
take  a  degree  of  satisfaction,  after  all,  that  we  part  in  love ;  and 
some  of  his  last  words,  in  our  meeting  yesterday,  were,  "  That 
he  looked  over  all  infirmities  and  outivards,  and  had  an  eye  to  the 
regions  of  spirits,  wherein  was  our  surest  tie  ;  "  and,  in  true  love, 
there  he  took  his  leave  of  us.  His  excellent  wife  —  and  she  is 
beloved  by  all,  I  believe  I  may  say  in  its  full  extent ;  so  is  her 
leaving  us  heavy,  and  of  real  sorrow  to  her  friends  —  she  has 
carried  under  and  through  all  with  a  wonderful  evenness,  humil- 
ity, and  freedom ;  her  sweetness  and  goodness  have  become  her 
character,  and  are,  I  believe,  extraordinary.  In  short,  we  love 
her,  and  she  deserves  it.  I  hope  what  I  have  said  is  to  thee  only ; 
I  request  this  to  avoid  a  thought  I  would  not  give  room  for, 
since  they  are  going  home,  but  otherwise  am  proud  (if  I  may 
so  term  it)  to  express  my  opinion,  love,  and  affection  of  and  to 
them  anywhere. 


The  Proprietor's  Agreement  about  the  Charter  for  the 
Lower  Counties. 

Newcastle,  ^i^stZbr.,  1701. 

Because  my  time  has  been  very  short,  and  many  matters  of 
moment  crowding  at  once  upon  me,  I  have  not  been  able  to 
digest  and  thoroughly  consider  the  Charter  of  Property  in  all 
the  branches  of  it,  especially  in  point  of  courts,  and  powers 
therein  expressed.  I  have  thought  fit,  for  a  common  safety,  to 
forbear  the  complete  passing  of  the  same,  until  I  see  the  state 
of  affairs  at  home. 

2dly.  Because  the  lower  counties  are  not  included  ;  and,  till 
they  either  are  included,  or  have  a  charter  for  their  properties 
also,  I  cannot  safely  do  it. 

3^/7.  I  shall,  in  the  compass  of  6  months,  order  the  passing 


I70I.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  59 

of  the  said  charter,  under  the  Great  Seal,  if  God  give  me  life, 
unless  affairs  at  home  require  us  to  change  measures  for  the 
general  good. 

^thly.  I  do  hereby  declare,  grant,  and  confirm  the  first  part, 
relating  strictly  to  titles  of  lands,  as  amply  to  be  of  force  as  if  I 
executed  the  same,  and  only  decline  that  of  powers  from  neces- 
sary caution  for  a  common  safety. 

Wherefore  I  do  hereby  order  that  my  honored  friend.  Gov- 
ernor Hamilton,  keep  the  said  draft  in  his  custody,  signed  by 
me,  unsealed,  till  he  hears  from  me ;  and  if  he  hears  not  from 
me  to  the  contrary,  or  my  heirs,  in  6  months'  time,  that  then  he 
suffer  it  to  pass  under  the  seal,  and  not  otherwise;  hereby  prom- 
ising to  all  concerned  that  that,  or  such  an  instrument  in  the 
substance  thereof  as  counsel  learned  in  the  law  in  England 
shall  advise  to  be  safe  for  me  and  the  people  to  pass,  shall  be 
by  me  executed,  there  or  here,  for  our  mutual  further  security. 

In  testimony  of  which,  I  do  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal, 
this  31st  9br.,  1701.  William  Penn.        *^*  Seal. 

I  do  also  promise  to  the  lower  counties  a  charter  of  property 
suitable  to  our  relation  to  one  another,  if  they  require  it  from 
me.  Wm.  Penn.         *^*  Seal. 


Instructions  to  James   Logan,  my  Receiver  and  Secretary.' 

Shipboard,  ^d  gbr.,  1701. 

I  have  left  thee  in  an  uncommon  trust,  with  a  singular  de- 
pendence on  thy  justice  and  care,  which  I  expect  thou  wilt  faith- 
fully employ  in  advancing  my  honest  interest. 

Use  thy  utmost  endeavors,  in  the  first  place,  to  receive  all 
that  is  due  to  me.  Get  in  quit-rents  ;  sell  lands  according  to 
my  instructions  to  my  commissioners ;  look  carefully  after  all 
fines,^  forfeitures,  escheats,  deodands,  and  strays,  that  shall  be- 

*  Indorsed  by  Logan  :  "  Proprietor's  last  instructions  to  me,  just  at 
parting." 

^  We  need  not  wonder  that  the  secretary  had  enemies.  It  is  Fenelon, 
I  believe,  that  observes  that  "  Requiring,  denying,  reproving,  make  al- 
most all  persons  whose  duty  obliges  them  to  use  these  means,  hated." — L. 


6o  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OI. 

long  to  me  as  proprietor  or  chief  governor.  Get  in  the  taxes 
and  Friends'  subscriptions,  and  use  thy  utmost  diligence  in 
making  remittances  to  me,  with  all  my  effects,  by  bills  of  ex- 
change, tobacco  or  other  merchandise,  or  by  any  means  that  in 
the  best  of  judgment,  or  the  advice  of  my  friends  skilled  in  those 
affairs,  may  be  my  advantage,  not  only  directly  to  London,  but 
by  the  West  Indies,  or  by  any  other  prudent  method  whatso- 
ever; but  take  advice  especially  of  Edward  Shippcn  and  Samuel 
Carpenter,  and  others  best  experienced  in  trade. 

Thou  may  continue  in  the  house  ^  I  lived  in  till  the  year  is  up. 
Pay  off  all  my  notes  and  orders  on  thee,  settle  my  accounts,  dis- 
charge all  my  debts  honorably  but  carefully,  make  rent-rolls, 
draw  up  an  estimate  of  my  estate,  and  of  what  may  be  raised 
from  it,  which  send  over  to  me  as  speedily  as  possible,  for  it 
may  be  of  great  use  to  me ;  and  in  all  other  things  show  thy- 
self a  careful  and  diligent  agent,  to  justify  my  trust  of  thee  for 
so  great  a  trust. 

Get  my  two  mills"  finished,  and  make  the  most  of  these  for 
my  profit,  but  let  not  John  Marsh  put  me  to  any  great  expense. 

Cause  all  the  province  and  territories  to  be  resurveyed  in  the 
most  frugal  manner,  with  the  assistance  of  my  brother-in-law, 
Edward  Penington,  within  the  two  years  limited  by  the  law,  if 
possible,  though  that  law  ought  not  to  be  a  bar  upon  me  against 
doing  it  at  any  other  time.  Carry  very  fair  with  my  said  brother- 
in-law,  and  prevail  with  him  to  be  as  easy  as  possible  in  that 
great  work.     I  have  spoken  to  him  about  it. 

Thou  must  make  good  to  Col.  Hamilton,  my  deputy  gover- 
nor, two  hundred  pounds  per  annum  of  your  money,  till  such 
time  as  I  procure  an  approbation  for  him,  and  afterwards  three 
hundred  pounds.  Also  to  John  Moore,  as  attorney-general, 
thirty  pounds  a  year,  so  long  as  he  shall  serve  me  faithfully 

'  In  Second  Street  (now  opposite  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania)  :  it  had 
then  a  fine  large  lot  and  garden  annexed  to  it. — L.  [The  northwest 
corner  of  the  Corn  Exchange  now  occupies  its  site. — Editor.] 

^  [One  of  these  mills  stood  upon  what  was  afterwards  known  as  the 
site  of  the  Globe  Mill,  at  the  north  end  of  the  city,  on  the  west  side  of 
Germantown  Road,  between  the  present  Canal  Street  and  Girard 
Avenue. — Editor.] 


I/OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  6l 

but  he  is  too  much  in  Quary's  interest.  When  my  cousin  Par- 
myter  comes,  he  must  have  forty  pounds,  but  I  hope  the  as- 
sembly will  take  these  charges  off  my  hands.  Pray  use  all 
your  endeavors  to  obtain  it.  Judge  Guest  expects  one  hundred 
a  year  from  me.  I  would  give  him  fifty.  Make  him  as  useful 
and  easy  as  you  can :  I  hope  Col.  Hamilton,  to  whom  I  have 
recommended  him,  will  prevail  on  him. 

Let  not  my  cousin  Durant  want,  but  be  sparing  to  her. 

Write  to  me  diligently,  advising  me  of  everything  relating 
to  my  interest,  and  send  me  affidavits  about  Quary,  Jno. 
Corsoe,  etc. 

Send  all  the  household  goods  up  to  Pennsbury,  unless  thou 
inclines  to  keep  sufficient  furniture  for  a  chamber  to  thyself,  for 
which  thou  hast  my  leave  :  take  care  that  nothing  be  damnified 
or  lost. 

Give  my  dear  love  to  all  my  friends,  who  I  desire  may  labor 
to  soften  angry  spirits,  and  to  reduce  them  to  a  sense  of  their 
duty;  and  at  thy  return  give  a  small  treat  in  my  name  to  the 
gentlemen  at  Philadelphia,  for  a  beginning  to  a  better  under- 
standing, for  which  I  pray  the  Lord  to  incline  their  hearts  for 
their  own  ease,  as  well  as  mine  and  my  friends. 

For  thy  own  services  I  shall  allow  thee  what  is  just  and  rea- 
sonable, either  by  commission  or  a  salary.  But  my  dependence 
is  on  thy  care  and  honesty.  Serve  me  faithfully  as  thou  expects 
a  blessing  from  God  or  my  favor,  and  I  shall  support  thee  to 
my  utmost,  as  Thy  true  friend,  Will.  Penn. 

Ship  DoLMAHOY,  -^df^br.,  1701.^ 

*  At  the  foot  of  these  instructions  are  these  memoranda : 
Remember, 

S.  Weaver's  affidavit,  Jos.  Carpenter,  C.  Read,  etc.,  affidavit. 

R.  Stocton's  money,  R.  Halliwell  and  his  land, 

S.  Jennings's  account,  Newcastle  Welsh  settlement, 

Edward  Gibbs's  account,  J.  Sotcher  and  Pennsbury, 

Geo.  Decon's,  Blackwell's  papers. 

The  following  is  the  agreement  made  by  Penn  with  the  master  of 
the  Dolmalioy : 

Agreed,  this  12/h  of  October,  1701,  behvecn  Goc'erfior  William  Penn 
and  Captain  John  Fitcli,  commander  of  the  ship  Dolmalioy,  as  follows  : 
That  the  said  governor  shall  have  the  full  and  free  use  of  the  whole 


62  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [17OI. 

[The  following  list  will  give  a  good  idea  of  the  style  and 
amount  of  furniture  used  in  a  first-class  mansion  at  that  day. 
It  does  not  appear  whether  it  includes  the  furniture  sent  up  from 
Philadelphia  on  the  departure  of  the  Proprietor.  —  Editor.] 

Copy  of  a  Paper   entitled,  "A  Catalogue   of   Goods  left  at 
Pennsbury,  the  3D  of  the  ioth  month,  1 701." 

In  the  Best  Chamber. 

One  bed  and  bolster,  2  pillows,  2  blankets,  i  silk  quilt,  i  suit  of 
satin  curtains  ;  i  table  and  pair  of  stands,  i  looking-glass,  6  cane  chairs, 
and  2  with  twiggen  bottoms  ;  i  little  black  box,  i  water-stand,  i  chamber 
chair;  i  pair  of  brasses,  with  fire-shovel  and  tongs,  i  little  cane  stool, 
4  satin  cushions. 

In  the  Next  Chamber. 

One  bed  and  bolster,  2  pillows,  2  blankets,  i  India  quilt,  i  suit  of 
camblet  curtains,  with  white  head-cloth  and  tester ;  6  cane  chairs,  with 
cushions,  i  table,  i  looking-glass;   i  pair  of  brasses,  and  a  fire-shovel. 

In  the  Next  Chamber. 

One  wrought  bed,  with  bolster,  pillows,  blankets,  and  counterpane ; 
I  table  and  stand,  6  wooden  chairs,  and  i  cane  ditto. 

In  the  Nursery. 

One  pallet  bedstead,  i  table,  i  screen;  2  chairs  of  Master  John's, 
and  2  rush-bottomed  chairs ;  i  pair  brasses,  with  fire-shovel  and  tongs. 

great  cabin  of  the  ship,  in  her  voyage  from  Pennsylvania  to  London, 
to  himself  and  family ;  for  which  he  shall  pay  the  said  captain,  at 
London,  50  guineas.  And  for  every  person  going  in  the  said  cabin, 
(a  young  child  excepted,)  £,1  per  head,  for  their  necessary  accommo- 
dations of  fire,  water,  &c.,  and  storage  of  provisions;  for  such  pas- 
sengers as  lie  out  of  the  cabin,  and  eat  of  the  ship's  provisions,  £,(> 
per  head,  and  for  those  that  do  not  eat  of  the  same.  That,  for  all  such 
dry-goods  and  packages  as  the  said  captain  must  pay  E.  Shippen  freight 
for,  the  said  governor  shall  pay  the  captain  after  the  same  rate.  That, 
in  case  the  captain  should  be  obliged  to  sail  without  the  governor,  he 
shall  then  be  paid  at  London  for  his  disappointment.  In  witness 
whereof,  the  said  parties  have  hereunto  interchangeably  set  their  hands 
the  day  and  year  first  above  written.* 

[*  From  the  Logan  MSS.,  Hist.  Society,  Penna.  — Editor.] 


I70I.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  63 


In  the  Next  Chamber. 

One  bed  and  bolster,  2  pillows,  i  blanket,  quilt,  and  suit  of  striped 
linen  curtains ;   i  table,  4  rush-bottomed  chairs. 

In  the  Entry. 

Two  chests  of  drawers,  2  trunks,  and  i  box. 

In  the  Garrets. 

Four  bedsteads,  2  beds,  i  quilt,  i  rug,  2  blankets ;  three  side-sad- 
dles, one  of  which  is  my  mistress's ;   2  pillows,  i  cloth. 

In  the  Lower  Rooms  : — Best  Parlor. 

Two  tables,  i  pair  stands,  2  great  cane  chairs,  and  4  small  do. ;  7 
cushions,  four  of  them  satin,  the  other  three  green  plush  ;  i  pair 
brasses,  brass  fire-shovel,  tongs,  and  fender ;  i  pair  bellows ;  2  large 
maps. 

The  other  Parlor. 

Two  tables,  6  chairs,  i  great  leathern  chair ;  i  clock ;  pair  of 
brasses ;   i  teapot,  6  cups  and  saucers,  2  basins. 

In  the  Little  Hall. 
Six  leather  chairs  and  two  wooden  ones ;  5  maps. 

Great  Hall. 

One  long  table,  and  2  forms,  6  chairs,  i  little  table,  i  napkin-press ; 

3  very  large  pewter  dishes,  6  lesser  ones,  6  of  the  best  pewter,  4  soup- 
dishes,  2  pie-plates,  2  cheese-plates,  2  doz.  of  the  London  plates  and 

4  doz.  of  the  common  ones,  2  stands,  5  mazarines,  i  cullender,  2  cis- 
terns, 2  rings,  I  doz.  and  10  patty-pans. 

Linen  and  Plate  in  the  Great  Red  Trunk. 

Two  pair  fine  Holland  sheets,  marked  W.  P.  ;  2  pair  pillow-cases, 
I  marked  P.  C,  the  other  marked  W.  P.  H. ;  i  table  and  sideboard 
cloth  of  fine  damask ;  also,  18  napkins,  2  towels  (damask)  marked  P. ; 
I  table  and  i  sideboard  cloth,  12  napkins,  marked  W.  P.  H.  ;  5 
towels,  marked  P.,  all  of 'fine  Irish  diaper;  3  table-cloths  and  2  long 
towels,  marked  P.;  21  napkins,  marked  P.  24;  i  sideboard-cloth,  i 
table-cloth,  12  napkins,  marked  W.  P.  H.  in  eyelet-holes,  of  fine 
Dutch  diaper.  In  all,  2  pair  sheets,  2  pair  pillow-cases,  9  table-cloths, 
7  doz.  and  10  napkins,  5  lesser  table-cloths,  9  towels,  10  calico  cur- 
tains, and  4  damask  ones. 


64  PENN   AND   LOGAN  l^JOl. 

Plate. 

One  large  tankard,  i  basin,  6  salts,  i  skillet,  5  plates,  7  spoons,  i 
little  spoon,  2  forks,  2  porringers,  2  little  cups,  one  marked  I.  P.,  th»* 
other,  H.  C.  ;  a  small  candlestick  and  snuffers ;   i  chafing-dish. 

In  my  Mistress' s  Closet. 

Four  chairs,  with  needle-worked  cases ;  2  hanging  shelves ;  some 
chinaware  and  glasses. 

In  the  little  Closet  below. 

Four  large  delf  dishes,  4  lesser  ones,  i  large  white  basin,  2  lesser 
ditto,  16  white  plates,  10  blue  ditto,  4  flower-basins;  some  ordinary 
earthenware,  and  the  set  of  Tunbridge-ware. 

Chest  of  drawers. 

Five  pair  of  large  warm  sheets,  5  pair  lesser  ones,  marked  P.  in  red  ; 
7  pair  pillow-cases,  9  marked  P.  in  red,  5  marked  W.  P.  H.;  4  pair 
coarser,  ditto,  3  pair  W.  P.  H.;  4  pair  small,  ditto,  marked  P.  in  red. 
In  all,  6  table-cloths,  5  sideboard  ditto,  12  towels,  4  doz.  napkins,  11 
napkins,  3  table-cloths,  7  napkins  (^older  ones). 

In  a  Great  Box. 

Nine  coarse  sheets,  marked  W.  P.  H.  in  blue ;  6  pair  whiter  ditto, 
marked  as  before ;  2  pair,  marked  P.  in  blue ;  7  pair  pillow-cases,  9 
coarse  towels,  2  long  ones,  3  huckaback  table-cloths ;  2  doz.  napkins, 
huckaback;  3  table-cloths,  Osnaburgs.^ 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  2d  lohr.,  1701. 
Hon.  Governor:  —  This,  't  is  hoped,  will  find  thee,  through  the 
good  providence  of  God,  safely  arrived  on  the  English  shore, 
Vi^hich  is  the  repeated  desire  and  prayer  of  thousands  here. 

By  the  last  post  from  New  York  before  this,  we  were  in- 
formed that  next  week  would  be  early  enough  to  write  by  the 
first  ship  to  sail  from  thence ;  but  by  this  we  are  surprised  to 
hear  that  Sam  will  scarce  be  able  to  recover  her  in  time,  which, 


^  [In  a  valuable  paper,  "  The  Private  Life  and  Domestic  Habits  of 
William  Penn,'  by  Mr.  J.  Francis  Fisher,  ///.  Alemoirs  of  Hist. 
Society  of  Penna.,  1836,  will  be  found  an  interesting  account  of  Penns- 
bury  and  the  Proprietor's  mode  of  life  at  his  rural  home. — Editor.] 


I70I.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  65 

with  Gov.  Hamilton's  absence,  who  is  now  at  Amboy,  makes  me 
incapable  of  sending,  all  designed  by  this  opportunity. 

The  enclosed  letters  came  ten  days  ago,  one  excepted,  by  way 
of  Boston,  some  under  the  cover  of  the  agent,  and  some  in 
Daniel  Zachary's;  they  were  opened  on  account  of  what  might 
be  contained  of  public  concern  within. 

In  the  agent's  was  one  from  the  Lords  of  Trade  and  Planta- 
tions, proving  only  a  duplicate  of  the  last  thou  received  at 
Pennsbury,  and  was  read  in  council  according  to  order.  In 
answer  to  one  clause,  in  which  requiring  an  account  of  our 
method  of  court  proceedings,  is  sent,  by  order  of  council  under 
the  great  seal,  the  late  law  passed  for  that  purpose ;  and  in  an- 
swer to  another  injunction  in  the  same,  't  is  ordered  that  the 
whole  body  of  all  the  laws  in  force  be  sent  over  with  all  expe- 
dition, but  they  could  not  be  got  ready.  It  was  also  thought 
fit  to  send  an  authentic  copy  of  the  last  law  of  marriage,  the 
better  to  obviate,  if  there  should  be  occasion,  what  objections 
may  arise  from  the  former;  the  two  mentioned  covers  are  sent 
you. 

Enclosed  also  comes  a  copy  of  the  charter  of  privilege,  one 
of  the  intended  charter  of  property,  which  I  hope  thou  wilt 
take  early  care  enough  to  prevent  being  forfeited,  because  likely, 
if  so,  to  be  on  many  heads  injurious.  Also  one  of  the  city  charter, 
to  be  at  hand  in  case  any  objection  should  be  made  upon  that 
clause  appointing  a  water-bailiff,  or  Anthony  Morris's  being 
named  as  alderman.  I  intended  several  other  copies,  but  by  the 
above-mentioned  disappointments  am  too  much  straitened. 

The  list  of  inhabitants  ordered  to  be  sent  over  I  can  by  no 
means  get  ready  now,  that  of  Chester  not  being  sent  up  yet ; 
but  shall  not  fail  to  press  and  hasten  it. 

I  can  see  no  hopes  of  getting  material  subscriptions  from  those 
of  the  Church  against  the  report  of  persecution,  they  having 
consulted  together  on  that  head,  and,  as  I  am  informed,  con- 
cluded that  not  allowing  their  clergy  here  what  they  of  right 
claim  in  England,  and  not  suffering  them  to  be  superior,  may 
justly  bear  that  name.^ 

*  [See  Appendix,  Note  i. — Editor.] 

VOL.  I. — 6 


()6  PENN    AND   LOGAN  [l/OI- 

Col.  Quary,  before  his  departure,  got  and  took  over  with  him 
several  subscriptions,  which  I  doubt  may  prove  mischievous, 
but  all  is  kept  so  private  among  them,  there  is  no  possibility  of 
knowing  with  any  certainty  what  they  are. 

All  things  have  gone  very  smooth  and  easy  since  thy  de- 
parture, without  the  least  obstruction  or  emotion.  Coming  up 
from  the  Capes  I  called  on  Rodney,  and  such  others  as  were 
viewed  violent,  and  leading  men,  and  left  them  very  easy  and 
good-natured  in  appearance;  and  when  I  came  to  town,  I  made 
bold  to  give  a  small  treat  at  Andrews's  to  the  governor,  Rich- 
ard Halliwell,  Jasper  Yeats,  J.  Moore,  and  some  such  others, 
about  a  dozen,  including  T.  Farmer,  and  the  other  owners  of  the 
small  yacht  or  vessel  the  family  went  down  to  Newcastle  in, 
on  thy  behalf  and  in  thy  name,  which  being  very  well  timed 
and  managed,  was,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  of  good  service. 
'T  is  not  that  I  could  think  it  my  place  to  take  such  things  upon 
me,  but  at  that  time  I  could  not  have  been  dissuaded  from  it. 

There  happened,  however,  the  very  first  day  after  I  came  to 
town,  an  occasion  of  some  clashing  between  the  admiralty  and 
civil  powers,  by  R.  Asheton's  taking  a  bond,  with  the  governor's 
consent,  of  William  Righton  to  produce  a  certificate  from  Ja- 
maica for  a  parcel  of  indigo,  the  rats  having  eaten  his  papers  at 
sea.  I  fjar  it  will  make  a  subject  of  complaint,  but  not  by  this 
opportunity.  Par.  Parmyter,  who  was  the  chief  mover  and  adviser 
in  it,  I  suppose  will  advise  thee  by  this  ship  at  large  about  it,  with 
a  full  state  of  the  case,  and  the  governor  per  next,  especially  if 
J.  Moore  should  write,  who  hath  promised  to  do  nothing  on 
that  head  but  what  he  will  first  expose  here  to  view.  Having 
done  all  that  can  be  by  Quary,  he  is  very  willing,  I  perceive,  to 
live  as  quiet  as  possible,  and  keeps  on  very  friendly  [terms] 
with  the  governor  when  here,  which  't  is  thought  will  be  the 
best  course  on  our  sides  also,  till  we  see  how  affairs  arc  like  to 
be  determined  there,  which  will  be  earnestly  expected ;  but  the 
court  we  fear  will  have  other  business  of  too  great  importance 
to  give  this  the  necessary  dispatch. 

If  any  disturbance  arise,  it  is  like  to  be  by  distraining  for  the 
tax,  which  is  not  begun  yet,  yesterday  being  the  first  day  it 
could  be  done  for  the  second  payment;  and  that  being  so  high, 


I/OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  6/ 

it  was  thought  best  to  bring  both  together,  and  prevent  exas- 
perating the  people  too  much  by  making  two  distresses,  first  for 
the  one  moiety  and  again  for  the  other.  They  are  going  on  in 
Chester  county,  and  I  have  good  promises  from  Bucks:  this  town 
alone  is  the  unhappy  place,  but  I  hope  we  shall  resolutely  break 
through  it.  'Tis  generally  expected  it  must  be  paid,  but  in 
Chester  county  great  endeavors  have  been  used,  't  is  easily 
guessed  by  whom,  to  scatter  poison,  especially  by  repeating 
that  thou  hadst  left  the  charters  unsealed.  Andrew  Job  came 
up  upon  it  very  much  startled,  but  returned  thoroughly  satisfied  ; 
for  it  was  said  the  assembly  were  mocked,  and  though  that  of 
privileges  was  so  often  sent  to  them,  and  their  speaker  as  a 
mark  of  their  acceptance  had  signed  it,  yet  thou  would  not 
finish  it,  but  made  a  sham  of  the  whole :  this  was  the  notion, 
though  not  quite  thus  represented  by  the  author,  yet  his  is  really 
very  malicious,  and  holds  little  good  correspondence  with  any 
that  I  see.  There  are  none  that  I  hear  of  uneasy  about  charter 
of  property  that  know  how  things  really  are,  and  there  is  no 
ground,  as  far  as  can  be  yet  seen,  to  be  gotten  on  that  head,  but 
by  false  representations. 

The  Susquehanna  subscriptions  go  not  as  briskly  on  as  at 
first,  chiefly  through  the  undertakers'  want  of  time,  because  of 
the  fair,  &c.,  but  it  is  intended  to  be  pressed  forward  with  vigor, 
though  thy  absence  is  no  small  damp  to  all  things  of  that  kind. 

The  assistance  money  is  now,  one  moiety  I  think,  become 
due,  and  will  be  forthwith  collected,  as  far  rhay  be ;  but  the 
scarcity  of  money  in  the  country,  and  neither  want  of  substance 
nor  inclination,  makes  many  to  hold  their  hands.  The  new 
alderman  and  that  rogue  Pentecost  Teague,^  last  quarterly  meet- 
ing, utterly  refused  to  subscribe  one  farthing. 

The  law  for  preventing  abuses  in  trade,  &c.,  passed  at  thy  first 
coming,  and  on  which  thou  valued  thyself  with  the  crown,  is 
utterly  repealed  by  the  last  clause  in  the  last  act  of  confirmation, 

'  [We  know  of  nothing  in  the  history  of  this  person  to  justify,  were  it 
intended  in  a  general  sense,  the  use  of  the  phrase  applied  to  him,  and 
therefore  judge  the  writer  meant  to  express  his  opinion  of  the  act 
of  refusal,  which  his  zeal  for  the  interest  of  his  principal  led  him  to 
characterize  by  a  strong  term. — Editor.] 


68  PENN   AND    LOG  A\  [l/OI. 

and  with  it  the  tonnage  is  dropped.  Whether  designed  by  the 
assembly  or  not,  I  know  not,  but  't  is  unhappy  none  of  the 
council  took  notice  of  it.  This  must  make  me  hold  my  hand 
with  respect  to  the  buoys  in  the  river;  it  was  to  continue  in 
force  only  till  twenty  days  after  the  rising  of  the  assembly  in 
1703.  We  have  been  threatened  about  the  tonnage,  and  bid  the 
person  defiance,  having  never  discovered  the  repeal  till  yester- 
day ;  but  now,  I  believe,  must  let  it  fall. 

The  thousand  acres  was,  last  week,  cut  off  from  thy  tract  in 
East  Jersey,  on  the  west  side.  I  gave  directions  on  the  east, 
having  had  300  pounds  bid  for  it,  if  laid  there ;  but,  upon  trial, 
we  were  obliged  to  take  it  so,  as  it  would  not  accommodate  the 
man,  though  on  the  east  side ;  and,  therefore,  the  west  was,  for 
several  reasons,  thought  better.  .  .  . 

The  governor  is  not  yet  sworn  ;  the  reasons  I  leave  to  his 
own  pen  —  as  also  that  about  W.  Righton.  The  computation 
of  what  money  may  be  raised  is  the  best  we  could  make  up  in 
the  time.  It  is  wide,  to  be  sure,  in  several  particulars ;  some 
over  and  some  under  —  most  of  the  latter,  I  believe.  That  of 
overplus  and  concealed  lands,  I  hope,  is  not  above  one-third, 
and  that  of  Newcastle  vacancies,  above  one-half  of  what  may 
be  raised  in  some  time ;  but  to  make  even  what  we  have  given 
answer,  it  will  be  necessary  that  there  be  care  taken  to  trans- 
port families ;  and  if,  upon  a  good  bargain,  thou  couldst  thy- 
self make  a  speedy  return,  it  will  be  the  only  or  best  way  to 
effect  it.  I  can  make  no  judgment  of  what  there  may  be  in  the 
two  lower  counties ;  if  good  colonists  were  brought  into  them, 
as  of  those  in  Newcastle,  there  might  be  raised  some  thousands 
of  pounds.  But  the  post  straitens  me ;  therefore,  with  all  due 
regard,  conclude. 

Thy  most  dutiful  James  Logan. 

We  intend  to  set  about  re-surveys  with  all  expedition.  Pray 
be  pleased  to  favor  us  with  all  opportunities  of  writing. 


I/OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  69 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Kensington,  4th  wth  mo.,  1701. 

Thou  wilt  hear,  long  ere  this  comes  to  hand,  I  doubt  not,  of 
all  our  safe  arrival,  through  the  great  and  continued  mercies  of 
God ;  save  my  leg  got  a  small  rub  about  four  days  before  our 
coming  into  the  Channel,  which,  by  contrary  applications  in 
town,  has  disabled  me  from  having  the  benefit  of  my  swift  pas- 
sage, as  I  might  otherways  have  had.  We  were  but  twenty-six 
days  from  land  to  soundings,  twenty-eight  to  the  start  in  Devon- 
shire, and  thirty  to  Portsmouth.  N.  Puckle  was  but  thirty-four 
days,  and  Guy  went  north  about,  after  gaining  within  two  hun- 
dred leagues  of  the  Liszard  in  less  than  eighteen  days,  which 
made  his  passage  eleven  weeks,  and  the  letters  but  just  delivered 
before  my  coming  to  London,  but  not  before  our  arrival  at 
Portsmouth. 

Nothing  yet  done  in  my  affairs,  but  my  coming  I  do  more 
and  more  see  necessary,  on  divers  accounts ;  though  a  trouble- 
some and  costly  journey.  My  son  has  been  veiy  serviceable,  but 
costly,  and  half  given  away  soy  memes^  for  the  country.  In 
some  respects,  I  am  not  without  good  hopes  of  a  tolerable  con- 
clusion, though  it  will  not  be  obtained  without  charge  and  pains. 
They  that  seek  the  ruin  of  proprietaries,  they  say,  will  renew 
their  bill,  but  try  the  Commons  first  this  time.  I  shall  say 
little  of  that  affair;  only,  pray  fail  not  to  send  what  I  do  so 
much  need,  and  which  was  so  indiscreetly  disregarded,  viz. : 
all  requisite  certificates  and  affidavits  that  are  yet  behind,  as  to 
our  conduct,  and  that  of  our  foolish  and  knavish  enemies.  Also, 
pray  fail  not  to  get  in  and  return  what  moneys  were  allotted 
for  my  supply  in  this  affair,  with  all  possible  speed ;  and  not 
only  as  to  that  branch,  but  the  lands  of  East  Jersey  and  the 
other  supply  and  rents,  for  there  is  a  most  absolute  necessity  to 
receive  them  with  all  speed,  and  then  return  them.  For  per- 
forming of  which,  let  no  other  business  come  into  competition, 
as  thou  wilt  be  a  just  man  and  recommend  thyself  to  me  and 
all  that  regard  thee  here.     In  order  to  which,  mind  to  remit 

^  [Old  French. — Editor.] 


yO  PEN  N   AND    LOGAN  [l/OI. 

bear  and  deer  skins,  tobacco  bright,  bills  on  Maryland,  and 
flour  to  Barbadoes,  &c. 

Pray  let  not  gratifying  the  unreasonable  importunity  of  the 
planters  hinder  thy  care  of  my  languishing  interest,  since,  by 
my  rents  lying  out,  I  have  lost  that  interest,  that  would  have 
paid  the  interest  of  my  debts,  who  have  only  the  principal  left, 
and  that  I  know  not  when  to  balance  both  my  debts  and  interest. 

James,  let  thy  good  sense  and  address  in  such  matters  of 
trade  and  accounts  be  religiously  employed  in  my  assistance 
and  relief  I  must  expect  it ;  but,  whatever  thou  dost,  fail  not  to 
send  me  the  probabilities  of  the  value  of  rents  due,  supplies, 
Susquehanna  project,  lands  salable,  banks,'  &c.,  that  I  may 
make  a  judgment  to  myself,  and  a  good  argument  to  others,  as 
occasion  offers  for  my  service  here.  Get  in  all  debts  due  to  me  ; 
as  J.  Claypool's,  Ch.  Marshall's,  &c.,  according  to  notes  and 
bonds  in  J.  Harrison's  time.  Be  not  hasty  to  end  with  S.  Jen- 
nings,^ for  reasons  we  discoursed.  However,  my  daughter's 
bank  lot  ought  to  be  part  of  pay,  since  never  improved,  and  of 
all  men  were  expected  to  be  so  surprised.  I  greatly  esteem 
him,  but  cannot  bear  to  be  greatly  a  loser  by  him.  Remember 
G.  Heathcote's  business,  the  date  of  his  patent  and  surprise 
upon  the  Commissioners.  If  the  two  Proprietaries,  in  right  of 
which  J.  Ross  took  up  20,000  acres  in  West  Jersey  for  me,  be 
not  allowed,  get  them  allowed,  or  an  order  to  take  up  so  much 
above  the  Falls,'  where  is  excellent  land  on  that  side,  as  S. 
Jennings  told  me,  and  which  Mahlon  Stacy  told  him  of,  and 
which  the  Indian  that  owns  it  promised  me  not  to  sell  till  I 
came,  or  without  my  consent,  unless  to  me,  of  which  Josh. 
Kirkbride  and,  I  think,  some  others  can  inform  thee.  Francis 
Fairman  can  manage  such  an  affair  well  enough,  and  speaks 
that  Indian  pretty  well,  whose  brother  Robert  was  with  me 
t'other  day. 

'  [That  is,  bank  lots  on  the  Delaware  front.  — Editor.] 
^  Samuel  Jennings  was  a  very  early  settler,  and  had  been  deputy- 
governor  of  West  Jersey.     A  farm,  now  belonging  to   Richard  H. 
Smith,  I  have  heard  was  the  place  of  his  residence  the  latter  years  of 
his  life. — L. 

•  [At  Trenton. — Editor.] 


I70I.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  7I 

Col.  Quary  comes  on  purpose  to  do  us  mischief,  (sent  for 
hence  by  the  party,)  as  well  as  to  himself  what  good  he  can. 
Let  the  council  and  W.  Rodney,  if  you  can,  be  attested  about 
those  words  improved  by  ignorance  or  malice,  about  laying 
them  by  the  heels  that  should  disown  the  government.  There 
may  be  need  of  it.  Also,  thine  of  Col.  Quarj^'s  professions 
to  me,  and  that  the  reason  of  writing  that  letter,  enclosing 
the  sheriff's  commission,  he  took  such  pains  to  recover,  was  on 
account  of  the  affidavits  I  had  sent,  as  he  was  assured,  against 
him.  I  must  have  the  affidavits  of  the  former  appraisers,  Charles 
Read,  etc.,  about  Lumby's  ^  goods,  and  the  words  that  induced 
them  to  lower  them  so  much  from  their  true  value.  I  must  have 
one  of  bailing  the  pirates  by  Col.  Quary  and  Bass,  too,  as  also 
widow  Barnet's  not  being  paid  by  the  first,  though  the  monc}'  was 
kept  by  him  for  that  purpose,  as  he  told  me ;  and  the  requisite 
affidavits  about  Bonne's  vessel  and  Perry's  goods  —  wine,  iron, 
and  linen  —  and  what  sold  for,  is  essential;  as  also,  T.  Farmer's 
about  my  commanding  upon  Col.  Quary's  complaint,  that  he  pro- 
ceeded no  farther,  and  afterwards  my  ordering  thee  to  take  it  up. 

Next,  forget  not  the  Spaniard's  case,  and  suitable  affidavits. 
His  counsel,  J.  Moore,  said,  in  my  hearing,  I  could  neither  do 
nor  say  more  nor  otherwise  than  I  offered  him  ;  [this]  lest  any 
wrangle  follow  on  his  account.  Captain  Burford,  instead  of 
satisfaction,  has  most  falsely  spread  stories  against  us  to  his 
owners,  and  troubled  Friends  therein,  and  all  for  want  of  care  to 
send  on  against  him,  as  I  so  often  urged.     Pray  let  it  be  done. 

'  Lumbey's  case,  so  often  mentioned  in  these  letters,  appears  to 
have  been  a  hard  one.  He  was  master  of  the  ship  Providefice,  who, 
mistaking  our  capes  for  that  of  Virginia,  having  never  been  on  the 
coast  before,  and  after  a  distressing  voyage  of  five  months,  was  seized 
by  Quary,  on  the  pretence  of  some  informality  about  a  register,  though 
the  captain  and  ten  others  took  their  oaths  that  the  vessel  was  regis- 
tered ;  and  three  of  the  principal  merchants  offered,  for  the  sake  of 
trade,  to  be  bound  in  ^^^3,000  security,  that  the  owners  should  stand 
trial  in  England,  if  the  ship  might  go  her  voyage  ;  but  Quary  refused, 
and  informed  against  the  merchants,  as  enemies  of  the  admiralty  juris- 
diction. He  had  the  goods  appraised  and  sold.  W.  Penn  gave  up 
his  one-third  immediately  to  the  owners,  and,  by  a  re-appraisement, 
raised  the  value  of  the  cargo — no  malice  or  design  of  fraud  appearing, 
except  on  the  part  of  Quary  himself,  and  Moore  his  advocate. — L. 


72  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OI. 

One  of  his  greatest  stories  was  my  imprisoning  his  mate  and 
doctor,  and  forcing  from  them  great  sums  of  money.  Philip 
James  and  honest  R.  Bryant's  daughter,  at  Newcastle,  can 
inform  thee  fully  whose  attests  would  do  well. 

Whatever  was  forgotten  send  (if  not  already  sent) ;  but  I  hope 
the  copies  of  the  charter  of  property,  the  laws,  &c.,  are  not  with 
several  of  these  things  7ioiv  to  be  sent  to  me.  I  shall  send  a 
copy  of  the  articles,  and  would  have  Col.  Markham  clear  his 
part,  and  all  else  concerned,  lest  there  should  be  occasion. 

There  is  a  swamp  between  the  Falls  and  the  meeting-house ; 
I  gave  the  Falls  people,  formerly,  leave  to  cut  timber  in  it  for 
their  own  use,  which  they  have  almost  spoiled,  cutting  for  sale, 
coopery,  &c.,  which  now,  or  in  a  little  time,  would  be  worth 
some  thousands.  Phineas  Pemberton  knows  this  business  ;  let 
all  be  forbid  to  cut  there  any  more,  and  learn  who  have  been 
the  wasters  of  timber,  that  hereafter  they  may  help  to  clear  the 
rubbish  parts  that  will  be  fit  for  use,  or  give  me  tree  for  tree, 
when  I  or  my  order  shall  demand  it. 

This  piratical  latitude  too  many  have  of  thinking  they  can  do 
me  no  wrong,  and  of  making  bold  with  other  folks'  things,  is 
a  great  dishonor  to  America,  and  (also)  of  making  no  returns 
in  seven  years'  time,  of  which  I  have  heard  enough  and  too 
much  already ;  some  public  course  must  be  taken  therein,  or  we 
shall  be  laid  under  mighty  disgrace. 

There  is  twelve  pounds  of  good  chocolate,  sent  us  about  two 
months  ago :  let  Rebecca  Shippen  have  two  pounds ;  Hannah 
Carpenter,  two  pounds  ;  Governor  Hamilton's  wife,  two  pounds  ; 
Mary  Norris,  two  pounds ;  Hannah  Hill,  two  pounds ;  Rachel 
Preston,  two  pounds.  Consign  all  thou  sendest  for  me  to 
Edward  Singleton  in  Barbadoes.  No  need  that  R.  E.  knows  of 
it;  his  presents,  poor  man,  exceed  his  returns  —  this  to  thyself. 
Mind  the  sale  of  the  widow  Calvert's  land,  that  both  the  widow 
Harris,  of  Dublin,  and  myself  may  be  paid.  Search  Brother 
Penington's  office,  if  any  returns  are  to  be  found  for  Geo. 
Shore,  of  Ireland.  Honest  A.  Strettle  writes  to  Ed.  Singleton 
to  ask  me  of  both ;  and  let  me  know  if  he  is  returned,  by  cata- 
logue, one  of  the  first  two  purchases  that  is  in  thy  hands.  Let 
Ed.  Hopton  have  a  patent  for  his  land  of  Poquesin,  if  T.  Fair- 


I70I.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  73 

man  see  good.  Be  sure  to  use  and  secure  him,  as  we  discoursed, 
losing  no  time.  I.  Hop  is  glad  his  son  came  not;  talks  of  re- 
turning. I  hope  thy  eye  is  upon  the  means  to  retrench  expenses  ; 
and,  pray,  see  the  utmost,  at  a  leisure  hour,  of  poor  Marsh's 
project  of  navigating  flats  up  Schoolkill  and  Susquehanna  rivers, 
above  the  Falls  ;  he  assuring  me  that  he  could  make  the  experi- 
ment for  40s.  Be  it  50  or  ^3,  it  were  a  mighty  advantage. 
I  enclose  a  paper  I  found  in  my  pocket  of  Eliz.  Bermil's  :  if 
her  request  is  reasonable,  let  her  be  considered.  All  letters  for 
me,  wife,  or  daughter,  or  S.  C,  send  back ;  except  such  as  come 
from  the  government  here,  for  they  are  indorsed  always,  "  For 
the  King's  Service."  I  had  a  letter  Lord  Cornbury  sent  me 
from  Spithead,  that  Secretary  Vernon  wrote  me  by  him,  to  be- 
speak my  acquaintance  and  friendship,  and  good  and  intimate 
correspondence  in  America,  as  Bellamont  and  I  had  done  before  ; 
which  looks  as  if  he  came  upon  the  same  footing,  and  as  if  he 
had  no  thought  of  my  being  defeated  of  my  government.  Sir 
H.  Ashurst  told  me,  yesterday,  there  would  be  nothing  done  in 
it,  he  believed.  He  lives  in  Kensington,  and  is  agent  for  New 
England.  So  says  (also)  a  lawyer  used  at  bottom  on  that  side. 
Divers  tell  me  that  Colonel  Dudley  has  been  an  enemy  and  a 
flatterer  to  the  attempts  upon  English  charters,  which,  if  true,  I 
am  sorry  for;  but  I  shall,  I  hope,  defeat  all  those  designs,  for  I 
find  the  great  people  of  both  Houses  lend  me  conversation  upon 
the  state  and  reasons  of  the  case.  I  shall  do  the  best  I  can  for 
future  safety  to  the  people  and  my  family  as  one  common  in- 
terest. 

I  know  not  of  any  more,  as  yet,  by  this  opportunity  of  the 
Messenger,  Captain  Puckle,  in  14  or  20  days,  at  most,  as  they 
say,  by  whom  I  purpose  to  write  of  all  occurring  to  us ;  and 
also,  by  the  same  opportunity,  general  letters  to  Gov.  Hamilton 
and  Council ;  but,  by  the  way,  send  what  thou  canst  by  Guy — 
bear  and  buck  skins,  (for  they  bear  an  advance,)  and  good  bright 
tobacco.  I  hear  but  an  indifferent  character  of  the  judge,^  by 
Lewis  M.  [Morris],  as  formerly  an  usher  of  a  writing-school, 
and  not  at  all  moral.  More  by  next.  If  in  the  least  he  tricks, 
use  him  accordingly.     My  leg  is  better.     Wife  and  father  and 

'Judge  Guest.     This  is  refuted  in  another  letter  as  a  calumny. — L. 


74  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [iJOI. 

child  are  going,  this  week,  for  Bristol.  My  son  and  family  well ; 
a  sweet  girl  and  a  Saracen  of  a  boy;  his  wife  —  a  good  and  pretty 
woman  —  at  Bristol,  on  her  father's  account,  who  is  dead  and 
buried.  I.  Cosgarm  marries  Betty. ^  There  is  a  letter  for  thee, 
on  account  of  his  business  in  Kent  county,  which  put  in  as  good 
a  way  as  thou  canst,  for  my  son  is  interested. 

With  my  true  love  to  all  my  good  friends,  as  if  I  named  them, 
desiring  the  Lord  to  be  among  you  in  wisdom,  love,  and  fear,  I 
close,  and  am  their  and  thy  assured  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

P.  S. —  My  love  to  my  family.  I  writ  by  an  English  ship, 
last  week  —  in  short,  not  time  to  read  it — that  if  John  and 
Mary  come,  his  brother  leaving  him  ;^I50,  if  he  come  in  two 
years  for  it,  that  Hugh  be  steward  and  gardener,  and  old  Peter 
go  to  the  garden  when  needful ;  and  that  Phineas  Pemberton's 
wife  and  daughter  see  to  the  bedding  and  linen,  once  a  month. 
Mind  that  the  leads  be  mended.  I  pray  God  continue  poor  Phi- 
neas. We  all  remember  you  all,  in  your  respective  capacities, 
with  much  love  and  regard,  and  Pennsylvania  will  not  be  forgot- 
ten. Remember  me  to  all  officers  in  government,  and  to  deserv- 
ing friends,  &c.  A  rumor,  within  two  days,  of  the  King  of 
Sweedland's  being  lately  in  hazard  in  an  engagement;  but  he 
resolves  not  to  return  home  till  he  has  resettled  Sapieha  over 
Oginsky  and  the  King  of  Poland.  He  has  made  a  great  begin- 
ning. I  send  the  King's  speech.  Lords'  and  Commons'  address, 
whence  a  war,  wisely  if  they  can,  is  likely  to  ensue.  "  Cut  your 
Coat  according  to  your  cloth,"  and  "  make  hay  while  the  sun 
shines;"  for  England  and  Ireland  cannot  supply  the  islands 
with  provisions. 

Ought  I  to  allow  S.  Jennings  a  salary  certain  lor  receiver,  and 
he  not  receive,  but  I  must  pay  another  for  receiving  that  he  left 
behind  ?  Poundage  is  the  fairest,  unless  all  had  been  received. 
If  he  says  I  ordered  him  to  let  the  sheriffs  receive,  it  was  to  save 
charges,  being  my  officers,  and  could  do  it  with  the  county  levies 
all  at  once,  and  who  got  by  their  places,  and  not  to  pay  two 
shillings  in  the  pound  —  one-tenth  of  the  whole  —  and  he  a 
salary  for  only  receiving  it  of  them  and  using  it  himself;  but 

^  Probably,  the  sister  of  Wm.  Penn,  Jr.'s  wife. — L. 


I70I.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  75 

W.  Rodney  was  no  sheriff,  nor  B.  Chew ;  nor  did  J.  Hill  desist 
after  out  of  the  sheriff's  place.  If  he  says  he  did  not  receive 
all  because  I  forbade  the  tenants  to  pky,  why  any,  or  more  than 
I  drew  for  ?  and  why  of  the  ablest,  when  I  said  only  of  the 
doubtful  or  hazardous  ?  and  why  suffer  Gibbs  to  run  ;^700  in 
arrear,  to  live  upon  my  rents,  and  yet  charge  receiver's  salary 
for  the  same  time?  Why  let  my  goods  —  his  inventory  taken 
says  were  all  at  Pennsbury,  when  he  had  the  charge — be  lost 
or  embezzled,  without  a  quarterly  or  yearly  survey ;  never  once 
done  in  twelve  years'  running  ?  These  things  have  sorrowful 
and  wounding  touches  in  them,  of  all  which  make  a  wise  use, 
and  keep  all  as  quiet  as  may  be,  till  things  here  are  over,  My 
son  shall  hasten ;  possess  him,  go  with  him  to  Pennsbury, 
advise  him,  contract,  and  recommend  his  acquaintance.  No 
rambling  to  N  "w  York,  nor  mongrel  correspondence.  He  has 
promised  fair;  I  know  he  will  regard  thee;  but  thou  wilt  see 
that  I  have  purchased  the  mighty  supplies  at  a  dear  rate.  God 
forgive  those  wretched  people  that  have  misused  me  so,  and 
preserve  my  spirit  over  it.  Pennsylvania  has  been  a  dear  Penn- 
sylvania to  me  all  over,  which  few  consider  and  with  me  lay  to 
heart.  Be  discreet ;  he  has  wit,  kept  the  top  company,  and 
must  be  handled  with  much  love  and  wisdom  ;  and  urging  the 
weakness  or  folly  of  some  behaviors,  and  the  necessity  of 
another  conduct  from  interest  and  reputation,  will  go  far ;  and 
get  Samuel  Carpenter,  Edward  Shippen,  Isaac  Norris,  Phineas 
Pemberton,  Thomas  Masters,  and  such  persons,  to  be  soft,  and 
kind,  and  teaching.  It  will  do  wonders  with  him  ;  he  is  con- 
quered that  way,  pretends  much  to  honor,  and  is  but  over-gener- 
ous by  half,  and  yet  sharp  enough  to  get  to  spend.  He  cannot 
well  be  put  on.  All  this  keep  to  thyself  I  have  no  time  to 
compare  it.     Vale. 

Let  brother  Penington  know  his  relations  are  well.  Lord 
Cornbury  comes  upon  the  Church  favor;  but  Whig  principles,  as 
people  talk.  Pray  desire  Governor  Hamilton  and  our  folks  to 
carry  a  good  correspondence  with  him. 


^6  PENN  AND   LOGAN  [l/OI 

An  Account  of  Charges  paid  on  the  Account  of  Privateers 

WHICH    were    fetched    FROM    THE    NEWCASTLE    HOARKILLS,    BY 
THE   ORDER    OF   THE    GOVERNOR,  AS    FOLLOWETH: 

2d  6ih  tno.,  1701. 

£.    s.  d. 
To  George  Lamb,  for  victuals,  drink,  and  horses        .         .496 

To  Ralph  Whitton,  for  horse  hire 140 

To  John  Hussy,  for  horse  hire 140 

To  Mr.  Addam  Peeterson,  for  expense        .         .         .         .0150 
To  my  own  trouble  and  charge 200 


Errors  excepted    .         .         .         .         .         .9126 

Per  Wessl.  Alricks. 

Received  the  foregoing  sum  of  nine  pounds,  twelve  shillings,  from 
Mr.  Logan,  per  me.  Wessl.  Alricks. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 
{^Extract.l  Kensington,  ^th  nth  mo.,  1701. 

Let  John  Sachel  know  his  brother  is  dead,  and  has  left  him 
;^I50  if  he  come  in  two  years  for  it  —  who  died  above  six 
months  ago,  so  that  he  must  come,  and  Hugh  must  supply  his 
place;  and  if  Mary  will  not  stay,  then  let  Hugh  double  his  care 
and  answer  within  and  without;  but  some  she  friend  in  the 
neighborhood  may  come  once  a  month  or  two,  to  see  the  con- 
dition of  things.  Our  love  to  our  family ;  and  we  desire  their 
care  in  improvement  and  persevering,  which,  with  our  dear  love, 
and  father  Callowhill's,  now  here,  ends  this  from 

Thy  assured  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

We  had  a  swift  passage  —  twenty-six  days  from  the  cape  to 
soundings,  and  thirty  Portsmouth,  with  five  of  the  last  days  clear 
for  observation,  before  we  came  to  the  channel.  The  captain 
very  civil,  and  all  company.  Tishe^  and  Johnne,  after  the  first 
five  days,  hearty  and  well,  and  Johnne  exceeding  cheerful  all 
the  way. 


'His  daughter  Letitia,  and  his  infant  son. — L. 


I70I  CORRESPONDENCE.  jy 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 
{^ExtractJ^  KEt^smCTOii,  /anu a rj,  1 701-2. 

....  Give  our  hearty  salutes  to  all  our  good  and  true  friends ; 
next,  let  them  know  I  have  good  hopes  things  will  do  pretty 
well;  3dly,  that  I  want  supplies  in  this  case;  4thly,  all  the 
affidavits  I  ordered,  and  copies  of  the  charter  of  property  and 
laws;  5thly,  I  command  thee  to  tell  the  governor  and  council 
that  I  will  have  nothing  done  in  the  charter  left  unfinished 
till  I  send  orders  from  hence;  6thly,  hasten  in  my  rents  and 
debts,  and  transmit  them  with  all  possible  speed  as  fast  as  thou 
canst,  for  I  expect  a  war.  I  depend  upon  thy  ability  and  vigil- 
ancy  in  getting  in  and  remitting  by  all  ways  that  best  present. 
7thly,  remember  Perry's  affair;  Charles  Read's  affidavit  about 
the  first  low  appraisement  of  Lumbey's  goods,  who  bailed  the 
pirates  at  Burlington,  &c.  I  must  leave  the  rest  to  my  own 
memorandums  and  thy  recollections.  The  parliament  sat  down 
last  third-day;  chose  R.  Harley  again,  with  a  small  majority; 
much  lost  on  Sir  T.  L.'s  side ;  both  my  acquaintance.  Little  to 
be  said  —  only  a  bill  of  attainder  against  the  Prince  of  Wales 
proposed  to  be  brought  in  to-day.^  Sir  Charles  Hedges  out  or 
laid  down.     I  have  writ  to  Governor  Hamilton,-  by  Lord  Corn- 


'  [Parliament  sat  on  Tuesday,  December  30,  1701,  when  they  elected 
Mr.  Harley  speaker,  over  Sir  Thomas  Lytdeton,  by  a  majority  of  four 
votes.  The  bill  which  was  introduced  early  in  January,  attainting 
James  Francis  Edward,  son  of  James  II.,  by  his  second  wife,  Louisa 
Maria  Theresa,  passed  finally  on  the  2d  of  March,  1 701-2.— Editor.] 

^  [Andrew  Hamilton.  "  The  encomiums  bestowed  upon  the  integ- 
rity and  abilities  of  Governor  Hamilton  by  the  proprietaries  have 
already  been  noticed,  and  from  what  is  there  shown  of  his  administra- 
tion, we  may  believe  their  confidence  to  have  been  well  bestowed. 
His  qualities,  as  a  man,  appear  to  have  made  him  more  esteemed  in  the 
province  than  any  of  his  predecessors,  but  we  are  debarred  the  satis- 
faction of  regarding  him  in  the  private  walks  of  life  in  consequence 
of  the  few  materials  furnished  by  the  existing  records  of  his  time. 

"  When  recommended  to  Lord  Neill  Campbell,  by  the  proprietaries, 
for  the  services  he  had  rendered  during  two  previous  visits  to  the  pro- 
vince, he  was  authorized  to  receive  forty  pounds  sterling,  or  a  grant  for 
500  acres  of  land,  whichever  he  might  elect,  in  consideration  of  the 
"  charges  and  paines  "  he  had  incurred.  It  is  also  stated  that  he  was 
about  "transferring  his  family  towards  the  improvement  of  his  planta- 


78  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17OI. 

bury.      Communicate  this   to  him   and  council   so  far  as  thou 
thinkest  fit,  &c. 


WiLUAM  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Kensington,  T^d  12th  mo.,  1701. 
I  must  renew  my  pressings  upon  thee  about  returns;  for  I 
find  £\Afi  sterling  more,  besides  the  ^^^300  employed  last  year, 
and  what  I  sent  by  bill  for  Squire  L.,  our  agent.  I  have  writ  to 
Friends,  and  superscribed  it  to  S.  Carpenter,  to  quicken  returns; 
for  I  perceive  by  the  votes  of  the  day  the  House  of  Commons 
have  ordered  the  state  of  the  plantations  to  be  laid  before 
them  —  and  just  now  a  lawyer  sends  me  word  he  is  offered  to 
be  feed  against  me  by  Col.  Quarry,'  who  is  now  come  to  do  us 
all  the  mischief  he  can.     Hasten  over  rents,  and  all  thou  canst, 

tion,"  but  whether  we  are  to  include  a  wife  among  the  number  is  un- 
certain, for  after  he  had  been  some  time  in  the  province,  he  married 
Ann,  the  widow  of  Robert  Wharton,  of  New  York,  and  daughter  of 
the  former  deputy  governor  Rudyard.  He  may  have  jiiarried  again 
subsequently,  for  in  his  will  his  widow  and  legatee  is  called  Agnes. 
He  died  at  Amboy,  26th  2d  month,  (April,)  1703,  then  holding  the 
office  of  deputy  governor  of  Pennsylvania,  to  wHich  he  had  been 
appointed  on  the  first  of  November,  1701.  He  being  selected  by 
William  Penn  as  his  representative  is  an  additional  proof  of  his  worth. 

No  connection  has  been  traced  between  Governor  Hamilton  and 
Andrew  Hamilton,  the  eminent  lawyer  of  Philadelphia,  who  died  in 
1 741,  but  it  is  probable  some  relationship  existed.  The  governor  left 
one  son,  John,  who  subsequently  held  several  officer  in  New  Jersey, 
under  the  royal  provincial  government,  and  has  the  credit  of  devising 
the  scheme  for  the  establishment  of  post-offices  in  the  colonies.  He 
obtained  a  patent  for  it  in  1694,  and  afterwards  sold  his  right  to  the 
crown. —  Whitehead' s  East  Jersey,  155.  —  Editor.] 

^  ["Col.  Robert  Quary  was  governor  of  South  Carolina  for  a 
short  period  in  1684  ;  but  the  proprietaries  having  intelligence  of  the 
encouragement  given  by  him  to  pirates,  dismissed  him  from  office  in 
1685,  when  he  became  secretary  of  the  province.  He,  however,  was 
again  governor  in  1690." — Historical  Collections  of  South  Carolina, 
i.  86;  ii.  410,  412.  **  He  was  afterwards  Judge  of  the  Admiralty  in 
New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  and  a  sort  of  government  spy  in  this 
country.  He  was  a  member  of  the  council  of  five  governments  at  one 
time,  viz.  :  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Vir- 
ginia, and  died  about  the  year  171 2-13." — Massachusetts  Historical 
Collections,  vii.  222.  Note  by  E.  B.  O'Callaghan,  V.  Doc.  relating 
to  Col.  Hist,  of  New  York,  p.  199. — Editor.] 


I/OI.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  79 

for  many  call  upon  me  for  old  scores,  thinking  I  have  brought 
over  all  the  world  with  me.  The  war  is  likely,  and  goods  bear 
a  price.  Deer-skins,  bear-skins,  tobacco  (good  by  itself  and 
bad  by  itself)- — and  then  one  sells  the  other.  Hasten  over  the 
affidavits  that  I  have  writ  for  in  my  larger  letter  that  comes 
with  this;  since  which  have  had  a  fever,  but  recovered  through 
God's  mercy.  I  would  hope  the  other  business  of  the  House 
may  take  them  up.  I  am  sure  it  is  too  great  to  suffer  them  to 
look  into  America  as  it  deserves  and  needs  they  should.  The 
Jerseys'  surrender'  is  an  ugly  preface;  however,  there  is  a  higher 
hand  to  which  I  look.  Let 's  do  our  duty,  and  leave  the  rest 
with  God. 

My  wife  and  Little  Johnnc  well  at  Bristol;  Tishe  (Lsetitia) 
with  me:  Son  and  wife  at  Bristol  upon  C.Jones'  death.  I  send 
a  packet  to  thee  that  was  from  him  —  may  give  thee  light,  though 

*  ["Although  the  proprietaries  persisted  in  terming  this  surrender  a 
voluntary  act,  and  asserting  their  right  to  have  retained  the  govern- 
ment if  they  had  pleased  to  do  so,  they  appear  to  have  been  swayed  in 
some  measures  by  the  threat  of  an  expensive  suit  with  the  Crown,  which 
had  determined  to  bring  the  validity  of  their  pretensions  to  trial.  In 
the  instrument  of  surrender,  the  Queen,  while  she  declared  her  gra- 
cious acceptance  of  the  power  resigned  to  her  by  the  proprietaries, 
expressly  refuses  to  acknowledge  that  these  powers  ever  legally  be- 
longed to  them." 

The  privileges  of  the  New  Jersey  colonist  were  not  so  extensive 
under  the  new  order  of  things  as  they  were  before.  The  twelve  coun- 
cillors who  formed  the  upper  house  were  nominated  by  the  "Crown, 
and  it  was  made  optional  with  the  governor  to  forward  to  England 
for  ai)proval  any  laws  they  might  pass  or  to  disallow  them.  The 
governor  had  the  power  to  suspend  members  of  the  council,  to  appoint 
others  in  their  places,  to  establish  courts,  and  to  commission  all  officers, 
both  civil  and  military. 

While  "Quakers  were  declared  eligible"  to  office,  and  were  al- 
lowed to  take  an  affirmation  instead  of  an  oath,  liberty  of  conscience 
"was  assured  to  all  men  except  Papists  J' ^  The  governor  was  directed 
to  "take  especial  care"  that  God  Almighty  be  devoutly  and  duly 
served  ;  "  but  at  the  same  time  the  Royal  African  Company  of  England 
was  to  be  fostered  and  encouraged  by  the  governor — an  association 
whose  principal  functions  were  to  capture  negroes  and  to  sell  them  as 
slaves  in  America.  To  be  sure,  inJuiman  seventy  was  not  to  be  al- 
lowed, and  it  was  made  a  capital  offence  to  murder  a  slave.  All 
prititing  was  prohibited  without  the  governor's  permission." — /. 
Graham'' s  Colonial  History  of  the  United  States,  p.  486,  /;/  note. — 
Editor.] 


80  PENN   AND   LOGAN  ['701. 

no  power  how  to  help  his.  The  three  daughters,  I  think,  or 
son  and  wife,  administer.  All  amicable  among  the  relations. 
Once  more,  returns  and  affidavits  with  speed,  or  the  consequences 
may  be  ill  every  way.  My  love  to  Friends  and  all  sober  people 
in  the  government  —  town  or  country.  Pay  my  debts  as  fast 
as  thou  canst.  I  have  heard  better  of  Judge  Guest  by  Captain 
Guest,  mercer,  in  Paternoster  Row.  Miss  no  opportunity,  direct 
or  eastward,  pray.  Tell  Wm.  Fishbourn  the  widow  Howell 
persecutes  me  to  write  to  him  about  money  owing  from  him  to 
her.  I  promised  to  hint  it  to  thee.  She  writes  herself  More 
by  Capt.  Puckle.     I  wish  thee  truly  well.     I  am 

Thy  real  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

P.  S.  —  If  Governor  Hamilton  be  not  there,  let  the  council 
have  his  letter,  and  then  send  it  to  him,  (unless  at  Burlington.) 
I  have  sent  my  negative  to  the  charter  by  way  of  New  York, 
per  Lord  Cornbury's  ship,  the  Jersey.  Capt.  Stapleton  has  it, 
directed  to  the  Post-master  Sharpies.  One  to  thee,  by  Barba- 
does;  another  per  New  England;  this  by  Guy.     Vale. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

The  next  letter,  dated  in  the  same  month,  contains  accounts 
of  severe  losses  in  trade,  which  the  merchants  of  Philadelphia 
experienced  about  this  time.  He  further  says: — "We  hear  by 
a  letter  ('t  is  said)  from  Adolph  Phillips,  in  London,  that  Col. 
Hamilton  is  approved  for  a  year  by  the  queen,  a  confirmation 
of  which  would  be  extremely  agreeable  to  all  the  Friends  here; 
but  the  same  vessel,  taken  into  St.  Maloe's  laden  with  logwood 
and  tobacco,  which  two  commodities  together  no  other  port  in 
the  English  America  sends.     I  doubt  but  this 

"If  so,  notwithstanding  thy  tenderness  about  insurance,  I  hope 
there  is  some  made,  having  had  such  frequent  advice,  &c 

"This  loss,  if  certain,  is  one  addition  more  to  the  many  this 
place  has  sustained  this  last  year,  in  which  they  have  suffered 
as  much  as  in  all  the  last  war,  there  being  seven  vessels  lost  in 
and  about  the  W.  Indies,  (of  which  but  one-  by  the  French,) 
besides  those    bound  to  England There  is  so  great 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  8l 

an  uncertainty  of  markets  everywhere  that  we  know  not  how 
to  move  or  stand.  Last  fall  trade  to  the  W.  Indies  was  dead 
among  us;  yet  by  reason  of  the  queen's  ships  and  forces  coming 
thither  in  the  winter,  what  was  sent  answered  well,  /^yi  tons 
of  beer  I  bought  at  ;^io  per  ton,  sold  there  for  24  per  ton,  and 
tobacco  @  35  per  cwt,  though  but  the  refuse  of  that  shipped  for 
London  —  but  of  that  there  is  a  penny  sterling  per  ft)  paid  the 
queen  here  for  duties." 

The  rest  of  the  letter  is  taken  up  in  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  the 
Industry,  which  was  part  owned  by  Wm.  Penn,  and  much  of  her 
freight  upon  his  account.  "  She  was  a  new  vessel,  carefully  fitted 
for  her  voyage,  and  sent  round  to  New  York  to  go  under  convoy 
of  the  Advice  frigate,  the  captain  of  which,  under  pretence  of 
orders  from  the  Prince,  left  them,  excusing  himself  as  civilly  as 
he  could,  and  particularly  to  us  in  a  letter;  for  I  was  acquainted 
with  him  when  he  accompanied  Lord  Cornbury  hither;  but  I 
think  his  neglecting  to  protect  them  should  be  resented,  &c. 

"That  lump  of  scandal,  G.  K.,  has  left  us  for  Virginia." 


1702. 

James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 
\_Ext7'act.'\  Pennsbury,  [no  date.'] 

Though  there  were  forty  acres  cleared  at  Pennsbury  at  thy 
going  off,  there  was  but  little  fit  for  immediate  service.  John 
Sotcher  has  now  cleared,  I  suppose,  forty  acres  since,  and  is 
resolved  to  make  it  pay  for  itself,  though  he  has  not  hitherto 
been  able  to  do  it. —  They  misinform  who  say  the  place  goes 
to  ruin.  John  and  Mary  are  as  good  servants  as  any  in  America, 
but  will  not  stay  upon  it  unless  thou  designs  over  quickly.  She 
has  two  little  children,  —  are  healthy  and  not  troublesome.  The 
garden,  it  is  true,  is  not  cultivated;  nor  is  there  any  reason  it 
should  in  your  absence.  All  or  most  of  the  parterres  are  dead 
by  blasting. 

VOL.  I.  —  7 


82  PENN  AND   LOGAN  [1702. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn, 

Philadelphia,  2d  yinio.,  1702. 

Thine  of  the  4th  of  the  nth  mo.,  and  3d  of  the  12th  mo.,  I  re- 
ceived per  Capt.  Guy,  i8th  ult.,  bringing  the  first  happy  news  of 
your  safe  arrival,  though  the  night  before,  and  no  sooner,  we  had 
an  uncertain  report  of  it  from  Virginia  —  news  that  came  highly 
acceptable  to  all  the  honest  here,  by  the  fear  that  through  a 
jealousy  of  the  vessel  being  crank,  and  weak  by  her  beating 
when  on  ground  in  the  bay,  together  with  the  danger  of  the 
coast  and  season,  had  been  raised  to  a  great  height  in  us  all, 
your  preservation  over  which  has  been  duly  acknowledged  by 
the  sober  and  well-minded  everywhere  amongst  us. 

A  few  days  after,  I  also  received  a  copy  of  the  1st,  by  the 
way,  as  I  judge,  of  Barbadoes,  enclosing  thy  negative  to  the 
great  charter,  under  thy  seal,  but  not  signed;  and  within  a  few 
minutes  after,  another,  by  way  of  Boston,  enclosed  to  Dan'I 
Zachary,  the  contents  of  which  shall  be  duly  observed. 

Since  the  date  of  those,  I  hope  mine  by  way  of  New  York, 
per  Capt.  Darkin,  has  come  to  hand,  enclosing  several  copies  of 
charters,  &c.,  a  copy  of  which,  and  another  of  tlie  great  charter, 
accompany  this. 

It  has  exceedingly  troubled  me  that  no  more  opportunities 
5incc  that  presented  that  could  be  used.  The  ship,  we  heard, 
staid  at  New  York  good  part  of  the  winter;  but  the  distractions 
of  that  unhappy  place  grew  so  high  before  she  sailed,  by  reason 
of  some  petitions  and  addresses  that  were  sent,  or  intended,  by 
her,  (for  which  Col.  Bayard  has  since  received  the  sentence  of 
death  for  high  treason,^  and  Ph.  French  and  T.  Wenham  outlawed 

'  [Col.  Nicholas  Bayard  was  reprieved,  and  the  sentence  against  him 
was  reversed.  An  Act  was  subsequently  passed,  at  the  instance  of  Lord 
Cornbury,  reversing  the  judgment  against  him,  and  all  the  proceedings 
thereon,  for,  as  it  was  styled  by  Attorney-general  Northey,  ^'pretended 
high  treason,'"  which  treason  consisted  of  nothing  more,  according  to 
the  representation  of  Lord  Cornbury,  than  "signing,  and  procuring 
others  to  sign,  an  address  to  her  Majesty,  another  to  the  Parliament  of 
England,  and  another  to  myself  (Lord  Cornbury)  on  my  arrival." 
The  abettor  of  these  tyrannical  proceedings  was  Atwood,  then  chief- 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  83 

upon  their  flight,  who  were  accompanied  with  scores  of  others, 
that  upon  a  proclamation  of  indemnity  mostly  returned,  amongst 
whom  their  parson  Vesey,  who  is  since,  they  say,  suspended,)  that 
there  was  no  sending  packets  that  way,  the  vessel  being  so  nar- 
rowly searched,  especially  from  this  government,  where  Governor 
Hamilton  had  also  rendered  himself  obnoxious  to  their  indigna- 
tion for  only  acting  the  part  of  a  friendly  and  generous  neigh- 
bor, by  sending  Governor  Nanfan,  who  drove  furiously  in  this 
matter,  a  letter  of  advice  not  by  too  great  rigor  and  precipitancy 
in  a  tender  point  to  bring  at  least  his  reputation  under  the 
greatest  hazard.  This  w^as  highly  resented  by  the  said  governor, 
who  returned  a  scurrilous  answer,  much  unworthy  of  a  gentleman 
in  every  respect. 

The  account  of  accusation,  &c.,  I  shall  leave  to  other  hands, 
who  doubtless  will  largely  supply  it,  being  none  of  my  business, 
and  mentioned  here  chiefly  as  one  great  cause  of  no  more 
coming  from  me  that  way.  .  .  The  affidavits  thou  desires  is  the 
only  thing  that  renders  what  has  been  said  unhappy. 

I  have  observed  orders  with  respect  to  the  appraisers  of 
Lumby's  goods,  who  were  Charles  Read,  John  Budd,  senior 
and  junior  —  the  first  and  last  particularly  ;  these  two,  especially 
the  first,  whom  I  take  with  the  most  here  to  be  a  truly  honest 
man,  expressed  a  very  high  resentment  at  the  admiralty  officers' 
unfair  proceedings  in  endeavoring  to  procure  so  low  an  appraise- 
ment, by  alleging  it  would  prove  a  favor  to  the  owners  of  the 
goods,  who  'twas  probable,  they  said,  would  have  them  again  at 
the  price  they  should  set  on  them.  This  was  strongly  urged, 
they  say;  and  when  not  so  much  observed  by  the  appraisers  as 
desired,  Col.  Quary,  both  declare,  expressed  much  uneasiness 


justice  of  the  province  of  New  York,  a  most  unworthy  person,  and 
who  pronounced  Samuel  Bayard,  son  of  the  accused,  an  accessory 
to  the  alleged  high  treason,  and  bound  him  over  accordingly,  because 
he  advised  his  father  not  to  own  himself  guilty. 

Philip  French  and  Thomas  Wenham  both  returned  to  New  York 
and  filled  important  offices. — Documents  relating  to  Col.  Hist,  of  N. 
Y.     See  Index. 

For  some  account  of  French  and  the  Rev.  William  Vesey,  see  bio- 
graphical notes  by  Doct.  O'Callaghan,  Documents  Relating,  &c.,  vol. 
iv.   396,  534-— Editor.] 


84  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

and  great  dissatisfaction.  This  earnestness,  with  the  want  of 
the  invoices  from  England,  occasioned  the  appraisement  in  most 
cases  to  be  so  low;  yet  Charles  declared,  through  a  suspicion 
all  things  might  not  prove  so  fair  as  pretended,  and  believing 
they  should  be  attested,  he  endeavored  to  bring  it,  though  much 
against  the  grain,  as  near  as  he  could,  to  the  best  of  his  judg- 
ment, if  ready  money  had  been  then  offered,  but  acknowledges 
they  were  abused,  particularly  resenting  their  disposing  of  all 
or  good  part  of  their  own  and  the  king's  thirds,  presently  after, 
at  the  best  advance  they  could  get,  notwithstanding  what  was 
pretended  in  favor  of  the  owners.  This,  he  says,  he  would 
willingly  have  had  an  opportunity  of  declaring  to  thee  before 
Col.  Quary,  but  now  thinks  it  not  proper  to  touch  with  it 
further,  unless  judicially  called  to  it;  but  will  be  ready,  I  suppose, 
at  any  time  to  declare  what  is  here  said,  upon  any  just  occasion. 

What  relates  to  the  old  Spaniard  I  shall  mention  nearer  the 
close,  and  speak  further  of  some  others  of  the  same  kind. 

To  obviate  those  three  unworthy  charges  made  there ^  by  Col. 
Quary,  mentioned  in  thine  to  the  governor,  I  have  taken  all 
proper  courses  that  occurred. 

The  first,  I  believe,  is  effectually  done  by  a  certificate  indorsed 
about  the  word  "swearing,"  of  which  I  have  two  duplicates,  also 
signed  by  some  of  the  chief  of  such  as  were  of  note  at  that 
election,  and  sticklers  on  the  other  side. 

Were  I  to  seek  such  as  voted  without  thought,  and  only  by 
others'  example,  I  might  get  many  more  hands  to  it;  but  I  have 
endeavored  for  none  but  those  whose  testimony  in  the  case 
Col.  Quary  cannot,  I  believe,  have  the  face  to  object  against  it, 
being  all  engaged  on  his  party's  side  that  day,  and  men  generally 
of  integrity  and  known  reputation  in  his  own  friends'  opinion; 
however,  I  shall  get  more  hands,  I  believe,  to  one  or  both  the 
others. 

The  same  certificate  will  also  obviate  the  other  charge  of  thy 
influencing  the  election.  It  might  have  been  fuller,  I  confess; 
but  to  answer  the  first  was  the  design  of  it;  and  what  is  there 
mentioned  that  way  is  in  a  manner  accidental,  being  drawn  by 

'  In  England.  —  L. 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  85 

some  of  the  subscribers,  who,  through  an  abhorrence  of  the 
injustice  and  unworthiness  of  the  charges,  were  willing  to  under- 
take to  clear  thee. 

In  answer  to  the  third,  about  turning  out  the  magistrates, 
comes  an  affidavit  from  those  four  friends  who  were  concerned; 
the  other  two  were  Jno.  Jones,  not  yet  returned  from  Barbadoes, 
and  Jno.  Bevan,  who,  being  a  resident  in  Chester  county,  viz. 
Radnor  township,  was  put  in  by  a  mistake,  therefore  declined 
acting  at  that  time,  as  well  as  ever  since,  though  till  thy  departure 
in  the  Commission.  Were  John  Moll  alive  he  could  do  justice 
on  that  point;  but  honest  Andrew  Bankson  is  in  a  manner 
superannuated. 

The  same  certificate  will  also  obviate  the  other  charge  about 
the  influencing  of  elections,  &c. 

In  matters  of  government,  things  have  generally,  through 
the  governor's  care,  gone  quietly  on,  though  some  difficulties 
were  endeavored  to  be  raised  by  those  who  have  always  shown 
their  inclination  that  way,  especially  about  administering  the 
oath,  appointed  by  Act  of  Parliament,  to  the  governor,  for  the 
particulars  of  which  I  crave  leave  to  refer  to  the  governor  him- 
self, and  the  two  days'  minutes  of  council  that  come  inclosed, 
with  a  copy  of  the  dedimus  and  Judge  Atwood's  opinion,  scarce 
necessary  there,  I  suppose,  because  all  the  Inns  and  Templars 
would,  I  believe,  fully  concur  in  the  same. 

I  could  not  foresee  any  occasion  of  sending  any  papers  about 
this  till  those  three  of  the  council  named  in  the  dedimus  that  are 
here  exciting  their  ill-nature,  upon  the  oath  being  administered 
without  them,  let  fall  some  expressions,  by  which  I  understand, 
that  composition  of  vinegar  and  wormwood,  J.  Moor,  had  infused 
himself  into  his  pen  and  transmitted  something  home,  as  they 
call  it,  the  very  name  of  which,  because  the  bishop  lives  there, 
they  think  should  fright  us. 

We  are  really  unhappily  engaged  here  by  lying  exposed  to 
such  malicious  spies,  whose  sedulity  to  serve  a  dishonest  cause 
keeps  their  thoughts  constantly  on  the  tenters,  and  dresses  up 
each  trivial  passage  in  their  secret  cabals  into  a  monstrous  shape 
of  malfeasance,  the  real  subject  of  which  is  so  slight  where  acted, 
that  the  persons  concerned  in  it  scarce  ever  think  of  it  more  till 


'86  PENNANDLOGAN  \_IJ02. 

they  hear  it  roar  from  some  mighty  court  or  committee  there, 
and  made  an  argument  for  invading  others'  rights,  though  in 
itself  scarce  worthy  of  one  thought  of  a  man  of  business.  While 
we  find  by  experience  what  they  do,  in  other  cases  what  they 
do  I  know  not. 

The  same  diligence  may  show  itself  in  a  passage  so  foolish 
and  trivial  that  the  governor,  I  suppose,  has  not  thought  it 
worth  his  while  to  notice;  nor  should  I,  could  we  ever  be  secure 
from  their  secret  attacks  and  wounds,  given  without  the  least 
notice.     It  is  this: 

About  four  months  ago  a  foolish  fellow,  coming  to  town  from 
Jersey,  dropped  some  expressions  as  if  he  had  hid  a  great  sum 
of  money  near  the  Capes,  got  the  old  way  upon  the  seas,  which 
gained  him  credit  enough  amongst  some  to  furnish  himself  with 
a  few  pieces  of  8  for  his  pocket,  which,  notwithstanding  his 
hidden  treasure  lie  here,  he  seemed  to  want.  Some  hearing  of 
this,  informed  J.  Moore  of  it,  who  hinted  it  to  me  in  the  street, 
where  he  accidentally  saw  me,  but  would  not  be  plain  in  it.  In 
the  afternoon,  however,  he  showed  me  a  deposition  or  informa- 
tion, and  told  me  he  had  issued  out  his  warrant,  and  that  John 
Joyce  was  in  quest  of  him.  I  wished  him  success,  desiring  him 
to  take  more  assistance  of  the  government  if  he  needed  it,  and 
we  would  join  him;  but  he  was  not  then  for  it.  About  nine  at 
night,  the  governor  being  out  of  town,  he  sent  me  word  the 
man  could  not  be  found,  but  desired  the  government  would 
take  notice  of  it,  and  cause  a  search  accordingly  with  all  the 
constables  in  town.  I  searched  all  suspicious  places  till  two  in 
the  morning,  and  at  length  heard  of  a  certainty  that,  fearing  the 
effects  of  his  free  discourse,  he  had  passed  over  to  Gloucester. 
Thither  we  sent  a  boat  in  the  morning,  but  he  was  gone,  and  so 
our  pursuit  with  the  extent  of  our  authority,  that  being  another 
government,  but  gave  notice  of  it  in  our  own.  Two  days  after 
he  was  taken  up  near  Chester,  whither  he  had  again  crossed  the 
river,  and  brought  up  by  the  sheriff  of  that  place  to  town  the 
same  afternoon.  The  governor  coming  to  town  examined  and 
committed  him,  though  there  was  little  reason  to  believe  by  his 
examination  but  that  his  crime  was  the  intemperance  of  his 
tongue  and  cheating  his  friends  of  a  little  pocket-money.     The 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  87 

governor,  as  I  said,  found  no  cause  to  suspect  him  of  piracy, 
though  enough  of  a  vagrant  or  rogue,  and  therefore  left  him  to 
the  more  particular  examination  of  Judge  Guest,  who  trying  him 
again  wrote  his  mittimus  as  for  a  loose,  idle  person  only.  At 
the  last  court  of  quarter  sessions,  the  prisoner  being  called,  the 
attorney-general  craved  his  mittimus  might  be  read,  which 
accordingly  wajs  done,  and  must  confess  it  proved  no  master- 
piece, though  something  like  an  original,  in  which  the  suspicion  of 
piracy  was  no  ways  taken  notice  of,  and  his  crime  rendered  slight 
by  the  civil  magistrate,  when  by  the  last  Act  against  pirates  it 
was  cognizable  only  by  some  of  the  commissioners  (of  admiralty). 
It  was  laid  hold  on  by  J.  Moore,  and  resented  high  in  court  to 
a  degree  of  indecency.  Nothing  appearing  against  the  fellow 
on  that  head,  it  was  thought  best  by  some  to  clear  him  by 
proclamation;  and  for  what  could  be  objected  against  him  on 
account  of  piracy  he  might  be  committed  de  novo  by  proper 
persons  who  have  cognizance  of  that  crime;  but  I  being  in 
court  opposed  his  being  cleared  of  anything,  so  that  he  was 
remanded  to  prison,  where  he  now  lies.  This  relation  is  not 
worth  while  if  there  be  nothing  said  of  it;  but  fearing  the  old 
private  method,  it  is  best  to  guard  against  it.  I  must  take 
notice  if  anything  material  can  now  be  brought  against  him: 
'tis  from  the  injustice  since  his  commitment,  for  before,  I  must 
confess,  the  grounds  of  our  suspicions  appeared  so  foolish  that 
I  was  ashamed  of  the  pains  I  had  taken,  were  it  not  that  I 
thought  it  safer,  because  of  the  cries  that  have  been  made  against 
us,  to  err  rather  on  the  overdoing  hand  than  under;  and  this 
tenderness  of  ours  now  keeps  the  poor  fellow  a  prisoner. 
Whether  guilty  of  anything,  or  not  guilty,  none  here  knows, 

nor  is  like  to  know,  for  he  can  have  no  trial 

It  is  generally  believed  here  that  upon  the  vote  of  the  house, 
that  the  state  of  the  plantations  should  be  laid  before  them,  the 
charter  governments  will  be  handled  among  the  rest,  and  that 
the  war  will  oblige  the  parliament  to  carry  on  that  act  of  annex- 
ing them  to  the  Crown  for  their  better  security  and  defence; 
nor  can  I  find  any,  even  of  our  friends,  desirous  that  it  should 
be  otherwise,  provided  thou  canst  make  good  terms  for  thyself 
and  them;  for  they  seem  both  weary  and  careless  of  government. 


88  PENN   AND   LOGAN  1^702. 

Governor  Hamilton  has  stood  inoffensively  to  all,  but  is  sen- 
sible of  his  weakness  for  want  of  approbation,  thy  silence  in 
which  makes  him  exceeding  uneasy  as  well  as  incapable  of 
exerting  those  powers  that  are  sometimes  absolutely  necessary 
for  keeping  government  above  contempt;  he  therefore  by  me 
earnestly  entreats  thee  to  move  in  that,  and  either  procure  an 
approbation  or  know  the  contrary.  'Tis  objected,  we  hear,  by 
the  lords  of  trade,  or  some  of  them,  that  he  has  headed  a  party 
in  the  Jerseys,^  and  is  therefore  unfit  for  their  government;  but, 
should  that  act  go  on,  or  the  contrary,  he  has  not  done  so  here, 
but  stands  blameless  on  all  hands,  and  therefore  may  deserve 
the  post  without  objection,  unless  his  country  be  made  one, 
which  we  are  informed  is  like  to  be  put  to  a  push  this  critical 
juncture  in  parliament;  and  perhaps  his  name  being  given 
among  the  list  of  governors  may  be  one  further  occasion  of 
having  it  determined  on  what  foot  the  nation  stands. 

However  it  prove,  it  will  shortly  be  found  necessary,  both  in 
the  opinion  of  the  government  there  and  many  here,  that  some 
defence  of  this  place  should  be  provided.  The  governor,  upon 
publishing  his  commission,  put  the  people  in  expectation  of  a 
militia,  which  he  always  intended,  but  held  his  hand  till  he 
might  hear  of  his  approbation,  if  to  be  obtained,  which  therefore 
the  more  disturbed  him.  In  the  Monthly  Mercury  for  January 
there  is,  under  the  head  of  France,  a  passage  which,  if  true,  may 
prove  of  the  highest  ill-consequence  to  us,  viz.,  that  the  governor 
of  Canada  has  made  a  peace  with  the  Iroquois,  which  will 
oblige  the  greater  care  in  what  has  been  said.  Albany,  by  it, 
seems  ruined;  and  we  shall  be  greatly  exposed  when  that  bar- 
rier of  the  Five  Nations  is  removed. 

The  only  way  to  procure  peace  to  the  English  colonies  here 
from  the  attempts  of  the  intriguing  enemy,  seems  to  be  a  strong 
attack  at  sea;  for  if  we  lose  the  Iroquois,  we  are  gone  by  land. 
But  it  is  to  be  feared  England  will  rather  leave  us  to  tug  for 
ourselves,  that  we  may  be  inured  to  war;  for  there  are  no 
succors  to  be  expected  to  a  colony,  especially  a  step-child  as 

'  Governor  Hamilton  was  at  the  same  time  Governor  of  the  Jerseys 
and  of  Pennsylvania. — L. 


1702]  CORRESPONDENCE.  89 

we  are,  from  her  principles,  while  one  effort  more  lies  in  her 
power.  Should  we  be  attacked,  who  are  quite  destitute  of 
Indians,  we  are  in  the  worst  condition;  for  all  Caesar's  army 
could  not  cope  with  a  few  pf  them  without  the  assistance  of 
some  of  their  own  nation  and  mode  of  warfare.  Perhaps  I  may- 
be thought  to  meddle  too  far;  but  I  am  sure  it  is  worth  thine 
and  perhaps  all  the  kingdom's  consideration. 

The  sale  of  thy  land,  upon  the  first  insult  that  way,  would  be 
at  an  end,  especially  where  we  have  it  to  sell,  viz.,  in  the  remoter 
places.  Yet  I  hope  over  all,  this  is  not  true,  considering  Governor 
Nanfan's  treaty  last  summer;  but  if  his  skill  was  no  greater  then, 
than  by  his  conduct  has  appeared  since,  there  was  little  to  be 
depended  on  from  him,  and  the  vigilance  of  that  colony,  Canada, 
I  mean,  is  always  to  be  suspected.  The  last-mentioned  governor, 
when  Lord  Cornbury's  flag  came  in  sight,  with  the  council  and 
assembly  then  setting,  passed  several  wicked  Acts,  as  one  particu- 
larly says,  and  among  the  rest  one  to  enlarge  the  number  of 
representatives  in  such  places  as  the  Dutch  most  abounded,  and 
were  sure  to  carry  it,  with  a  restriction  upon  all  succeeding 
governors  not  to  add  any  further.  We  cannot  yet  know  how 
things  are  like  to  go  there;  but  if  we  may  conjecture,  that  lord 
must  be  without  resentment,  or  he  will  remember  the  indignity 
put  upon  him  by  huddling  up  business  of  that  moment,  and  so 
nearly  affecting  him,  in  sight  of  his  flag;  and  from  thence, 
perhaps,  the  present  may  be  judged.  They  also  passed  an  Act 
granting  ;{^200  more  a  year  to  their  lieutenant-governor,  and 
£^0  more  to  the  judge  for  two  or  three  years;  and  in  case  they 
were  suspended,  that  double  the  sum  should  be  forthwith  paid 
out  of  their  treasury; — another  Act  for  outlawing  P.  French  and 
T.  Wenham,  three  days  after  the  latter  had  surrendered  himself 
This  kind  of  management  in  that  frontier  colony  looks  ill.  God 
divert  what  seems  too  near  impending. 

The  lower  counties  are  quiet,  and  have  been  so,  —  only  New- 
castle have  baulked  their  courts,  but  I  believe  will  no  more, 
there  being  now  a  set  of  magistrates  that  I  hope  will  do  busi- 
ness. Captain  Finney  went  the  circuit,  as  judge,  in  Caleb  Pusey's 
place. 

There  comes  now  a  full  copy  of  all  the  laws  in  force,  under  the 


90  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17O2. 

great  seal,  by  order  of  the  council.  Joseph  Pidgeon  has  procured 
two  copies,  under  the  seal,  of  that  law  for  intestates'  estates,  to 
help  forward  the  approbation,  without  which  his  children  will 
be  cut  off  from  great  part  of  their  grandfather's  estate,  which 
would  by  that  law  fall  to  their  share. 

As  if  there  were  some  spell  upon  it,  nothing  [was]  done  in 
the  old  Spaniard's  business  after  thy  departure.  He  would  never 
be  brought  to  a  hearing,  though  the  governor  endeavored  and 
proposed  all  he  could  to  do  him  justice.  If  any  can  be  found  who 
can  recollect  anything  of  it,  it  shall  come  by  next  opportunity. 

There  is  scarce  anything  in  the  government  I  have  been 
more  troubled  about,  or  that  I  have  been  able  to  do  less  in. 
Every  one  seems  to  have  an  aversion  in  their  thoughts  against 
being  concerned  in  it,  and  cannot  imagine  that  C.  Saunders' 
proving  a  knave,  if  it  really  were  so,  can  affect  thee  because  he 
lived  under  thy  government.  Were  thou  to  be  charged  with  all' 
the  villanies  committed  in  it,  by  some  that  hold  their  heads 
higher,  it  would  be  extremely  hard.  The  government  was  never 
in  the  least  concerned  in  it,  and  there  can  be  no  reason  that 
thou  should  engage  for  C.  Saunders'  reputation.  If  Isaac  Norris 
be  attacked,  he  only  desires  the  proof  may  be  left  to  his  accounts, 
which  he  will  attest  to. 

My  deposition  I  have  not  sent  at  large,  as  ordered,  and 
Thomas  Farmer's  under  it.  There  comes  also  another  of  his 
about  Keeble,  a  villanous  business.     The  story  is  thus: 

I.  Keeble  coming  to  Philadelphia  and  complaining  of  being 
prosecuted,  some  of  the  vestry  laid  hold  on  it,  and  desired  him 
to  give  a  true  state  of  the  case  under  his  hand,  for  it  might  be 
of  service  in  England.  Accordingly  he  gave  in  a  paper  at  Dr. 
Hall's;  but  that  not  pleasing  them,  they  desired  he  would  alter 
it.  He  told  them  that  was  the  truth  of  what  he  had  to  say,  that 
he  had  not  time  then  to  stay,  but  that  he  would  sign  a  blank 
and  they  might  fill  it  up  as  they  thought  most  proper,  and  so 
departed.  At  his  return  he  applied  himself  to  the  minister 
Evans  to  know  what  was  done  in  it,  who  gave  him  a  copy  of 
what  he  told  him  they  had  wrote  about  his  name,  all  in  the 
minister's  own  hand,  but  considerably  different  from  what  he 
had  given  in,  at  which,  he  says,  he  could  not  help  expressing 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  gi 

some  resentment,  having  made  him  say  in  some  places  what 
was  absolutely  false,  as  particularly  that  there  was  two  couple 
and  two  free  servants,  when  there  was  but  one  couple  married 
in  all.  I  had  been  discoursing  with  him  before,  and  he  pro- 
mised me  a  copy  of  the  paper  sent,  and  for  which  John  Jones 
gave  me  the  enclosed,  wrote  in  the  said  Jones's  hand;  but  upon 
a  full  confession  of  the  business,  I  found  that  was  neither  an 
exact  copy  of  what  he  gave  in,  nor  yet  of  that  which  the 
minister  sent  to  the  bishop,  copies  of  both  which  he  produced, 
all  wrote  in  Evans's  hand,  as  both  Jones  and  he  affirmed.  They 
would  not  part  with  them  then,  but  promised  me  copies  exactly 
done,  which  I  have  not  yet  got.  Keeble  going  suddenly  out 
of  town  upon  it,  and  I  within  two  days  went  to  Bucks  to  the 
court  there,  and  T.  Farmer,  who  was  present,  to  New  York, 
which  consumed  the  delay  of  the  affidavit,  and  hirri  to  be  unable 
to  be  so  exact  in  the  relation  as  might  be  wished.  Keeble 
offered  then  to  give  all  this  upon  oath,  but  I  could  not  get  it 
administered;  for  he  suspected  nothing,  I  believe,  of  my  sending 
this  information. 

The  copy  enclosed  is  in  J.  Jones's  hand;  and  as  he  thought 
fit  to  mend  it,  the  black-lead  lines  show  where  it  differs  from 
that  sent  home,  which  I  also  in  dark-lead  lines  marked  on  the 
back  of  it,  and  from  thence  have  drawn  an  exact  copy  of  what 
they  say  was  sent  to  the  bishop.  J.  Jones  faithfully  promised 
me  copies  of  them  all  under  his  hand,  but  failed.  He  manages 
Keeble's  business,  and  a  few  days  ago  was  married  to  J.  Moll's 
widow.     I    send    also    a    copy    of    S.  Peres's    account 

Philip  James  is  lately  deceased,  as  also  Major  Donaldson,* 
who  became  very  well  inclined  in  his  last  weakness,  and  re- 
commended peace  to  his  consorts. 

There  comes  with  the  rest  I  enclosed,  a  list  of  the  freemen  of 
Chester  county,  procured  with  much  trouble,  and  distinguished 
as  desired.  I  am  now  almost  in  despair  of  getting  any  for 
Philadelphia  county,  things  there  being  always  the  most  retro- 
grade. 

'  He  lived  in  the  lower  counties,  and  had  been  in  opposition  to  the 
Proprietor's  government. — L. 


92  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

In  the  end  of  the  winter,  a  Welsh  young  man,  a  few  miles  out 
of  town,  killed  his  first  cousin,  by  throwing  a  small  stick,  frozen 
hard  with  a  knot  of  ice  at  the  end  of  it,  at  his  head,  which  struck 
him  on  the  temple.  He  was  not  tried  at  the  provincial  court, 
his  counsel  objecting  against  the  jury. 

The  corporation  of  Philadelphia  go  on  in  earnest.  They  have 
their  meetings  and  seal,  make  freemen  and  publish  orders  in 
due  form ;  but  the  county  justices  and  city  magistrates  had  like 
to  have  clashed  last  court  about  the  aldermen's  sitting,  which 
seems  no  way  regular,  but  they  got  over  it  for  that  time.  Judge 
Guest  is  much  borne  down  on  all  hands,  and  is  about  leaving  us. 

I  have  been  particular  to  too  great  a  prolixity,  but  hope  'tis 
very  excusable.  I  shall  therefore  now  beg  leave,  with  my  best 
wishes  for  the  prosperity  of  the  family,  to  conclude. 

Thy  most  faithful  and  dutiful  James  Logan. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn.' 

Philadelphia,  7//;  of  2,(i,  1702. 
Honored  Governor:  —  My  first,  begun  the  2d  instant,  I  de- 
signed should  convey  all  I  had  to  say;  but  since,  I  find,  it  may 
prove  more  convenient  to  write  of  thy  property,  &c.,  distinct 
from  the  other,  in  that  I  have  been  several  times  too  prolix, 
and  therefore  here  shall  be  shorter.  The  council  first  sat  every 
2d  and  4th  day,  which  being  in  the  height  of  winter,  and  people 
crowding  to  get  business  done,  it  took  up  so  much  of  my  time, 
that  little  else  could  be  followed;  since  that  we  have  altered 
the  days,  and  now  I  allow  only  two  days  in  the  week  to  all 
business  of  that  kind,  and  therefore  have  more  time  to  ply 
others.  Besides  making  returns,  which  now  make  the  chief  of 
my  care,  the  success  of  thy  affair  depends  mostly  on  our  execu- 


^  [Portions  only  of  this  letter  are  copied  by  Mrs.  Logan,  which 
she  entitles,  '^  Some  account  of  the  state  of  affairs  in  the  Province,  and 
of  various  transactions  in  Philadelphia,  extracted  from  /a?nes  Logan' s 
Copy-Book  of  Letters,  &'€.''''  Having  had  access  to  the  original,  we 
are  enabled,  with  some  unimportant  omissions,  to  present  the  letter 
entire.  — Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  93 

tion  of  that  commission,  overplus  lands  proving  in  many  places 
better  than  expected,  though  in  Philadelphia  county  very  bare. 
We  have  sold  almost  all  that  part  of  Rocklands^  that  fell  with- 
out N.  E.  line,  at  £2^  or  ^30  per  hundred.  The  line  near  the 
river  comes  to  Chichester  town,  but  is  not  approved  of  by 
Newcastle  County,  because  the  circle,  they  say,  is  swept  too  far 
round  them.  We  have  agreed  for  and  sold  to  the  value  of  near 
;^I500,  at  rates  which  the  county  much  complained  of,  though 
if  lands  should  advance  as  they  have  done,  of  which  I  almost 
despair,  perhaps  thou  may  do  the  same  of,  as  in  time  to  come; 
but  I  am  sure  \ve  do  not  deserve  it,  for  in  many  places  we  have 
raised  the  price  of  lands  among  the  people  from  one  to  another. 
Very  much  depends  upon  resurveys,  which  go  briskly  enough 
on  in  such  places  where  we  can  expect  to  get  anything.  We 
are  well  provided  with  surveyors  in  Bucks  and  Chester,  but  in 
Philadelphia  we  are  most  at  a  loss,  for  a  reason  I  shall  give  else- 
where. Edward  Penington's  decease,  of  the  small-pox,  of  which  I 
suppose  thou  hast  heard  by  Is.  Norris,  cast  us  much  back.  The 
disposal  of  that  office  thou  wilt  see  at  large  by  a  copy  of  our  min- 
utes on  that  head  which  accompanies  this,  with  others  of  the  same 
book.  Because  of  Isaac  Norris's  letter  I  say  no  more.  Jac.  Taylor, 
the  young  man  there  mentioned,  who  has  wrote  a  pretty  almanac 
for  this  year,  one  of  which  comes  enclosed,  has  also  had  the 
same  distemper,  now  greatly  reigning  amongst  us,  but  is  very 
w^ell  recovered,  which  has  been  a  second  hindrance.  S.  Carpenter 
has  lost  his  son  Abraham  by  it;  and  but  a  few  houses  in  town 
are  or  have  been  clear,  though  now  'tis  grown  very  favorable. 
Isaac  Norris's  wife^  and  family  are  now  down  in  it,  and  Samuel 

^  The  manor  of  Rocklands  extended  from  the  Brandywine  to 
Naaman's  creek,  and  consequently  contained  all  those  immensely 
valuable  mill -seats  on  this  side  of  the  Brandywine. — L. 

^  My  grandfather,  according  to  a  traditional  account  in  his  family, 
came  into  this  country  in  the  year  1690.  He  was  born  in  the  Isle  of 
Wight,  Great  Britain,  and  removed  with  his  parents  when  young  to 
Jamaica,  where  being  dissatisfied,  he  came  into  Pennsylvania  to  look 
for  a  settlement  for  the  family;  but  on  his  return  to  that  island  in  1692, 
he  found  they  had  perished  in  the  great- earthquake.  Collecting  the 
small  remains  of  his  property,  he  returned  and  settled  in  Philadelphia, 
where  he  married  one  of  the  daughters  of  Thos.  Lloyd.  An  excellent 
understanding,  great  prudence  and  moderation,  with  a  sweetness  of 


94  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

Preston  narrowly  escaped  being  the  sorest  visited,  who  has  re- 
covered. That  pillar  of  Bucks  county,  Phineas  Pemberton,  worn 
away  with  his  long-afflicting  distemper,  was  removed  about  the 
5th  of  1st  month  last.  Hearing  he  was  past  hopes,  I  went  to 
visit  him  the  day  before  he  departed.  He  was  sensible  and 
comfortable  to  the  last,  and  inquiring  solicitously  about  thy 
affairs  and  the  parliament;  gave  his  last  offering,  his  dear  love, 
to  thee  and  thine,  and  particularly  recommended  the  care  of  his 
estate  to  me  in  thy  behalf,  desiring  that  his  services  in  collecting 
the  rents  with  Samuel  Jennings  might  be  considered  in  his 
own,  otherwise  he  should  be  wronged;  and  that  his  attendance 
at  Newcastle  assembly,  when  his  plantation  and  business  so 
much  suffered  by  it,  might,  according  to  thy  promise,  be  paid, 
with  his  overplus  in  Warminster,  which  he  said  was  but  little, 
and  not  valuable.  I  was  with  him  when  he  departed,  and  com- 
ing to  Philadelphia  that  day,  returned  to  his  burial.  He  lies 
interred  in  his  plantation  on  the  river,  with  the  rest  of  his 
relations.  His  daughter,  they  say,  is  to  be  married  to  Jeremiah 
Langhorne.  As  for  returns,  there  cannot  more  be  done  by  man 
than  I  to  my  utmost  endeavors,  and  that,  under  the  greatest 
hardships.  There  is  no  way  of  getting  money  in,  but  what  I 
have  industriously  tried  as  far  as  lies  in  my  power,  rents  in  the 
province  only  excepted,  which  are  not  yet  so  forward;  but  I  am 
now  putting  them  on  everywhere,  and  hope  I  shall  raise  some- 
thing considerable  that  way;  but  the  scarcity  of  money  lays  us 
all  under  the  greatest  difficulties.  The  quantity  was  lessening 
all  the  time  thou  wast  here,  but  since  the  decay  appears  so  very 
great  that  we  know  not  to  what  reason  to  ascribe  it,  but  gives 
many  occasion  to  believe  and  say  thou  hast  carried  great  sums 
out  with  thee,  of  the  contrary  of  which  I  am  but  too  good  an 
evidence.  The  tax  I  cannot  get,  pushed  on  by  all  the  means  I 
could  use,  and  I  really  fear  we  shall  lose  great  part  of  it,  not- 

temper  and  courtesy  of  manners,  rendered  him  universally  acceptable. 
Though  in  extensive  business  for  that  time  as  a  merchant,  yet  he  was 
exceedingly  serviceable  in  the  government,  his  time  and  talents  being 
often  employed  for  the  public  good.  He  retired  from  trade  to  his 
seat,  Fairhill,  where  he  lived  in  much  comfort  and  hospitality.  He 
was  born  1671;  died  June  4th,  1735,  when  he  was  chief-justice  of 
Pennsylvania,  universally  regretted. — L. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  95 

withstanding  we  may  suffer  by  the  sound.    Jos.  Carpenter  stands 
chiefly  in  the  way,  who  threatens  high  to  prosecute,  though 
with  the  expense  of  one  thousand  pounds,  any  who  shall  distrain. 
This  makes  the  collector,  who  is  W.  Tonge  the  under-sheriff, 
very  timorous  and  backward.     About  five  days  ago  I  had  at 
length  roused  him  to  a  pitch  that  he  was  resolved  to  try;  but 
thy  desiring  us  to  keep  all  things  quiet  made  me  inclinable 
that  he  should  hold  his  hand  then,  till  they  could  not  have  time 
to  dress  up  anything  to  send  by  this  opportunity;  but  before 
one  week  is  over,  I  am  resolved  it  shall  be  tried,  whatever  the 
consequences  may  prove;  for  nothing  can  be  more  unreasonable 
than  that  we  should  have  the  name,  and  bear  the  blame  too, 
perhaps,  among  some,  and  yet  have  nothing  for  it.    The  country, 
everywhere  willing,  cannot  pay  for  want  of  money;   and  for  the 
same  reason  the  subscriptions  are  very  much  behind,  not  for 
want  of  good  will,  but  for  want  of  some  way  to  bring  it  into 
my  hands,  for  all  our  trade  is  now  by  discount  and  transfer 
of  debts.      It   will   all    be   paid,  I    suppose;    but   several    little 
debts  standing  out  take  off  some  part  of  it,  —  such  as  ;^20  to 
Joseph  Kirkbride  for  a  servant,  and  ;i^ioo  by  a  bill  on  me  to 
that  meeting,  and  many  such.     I  have  not  received  a  farthing 
above  ^180  of  Richard  Stockton    .    .    .     He  would  give  any 
security  could  he  have  it  upon  interest;  but  it  is  nowhere  to  be 
had  amongst  us   that  either  he  or  I  can  hear  of      He  offers 
interest  to  us,  which,  to  be  sure,  his  bond  will  bring;  but  that 
does  not  answer.     I  must  take  the  greatest  part  of  the  province 
rents  in  wheat,  I  believe;  but  that  will  scarce  do,  I  fear,  for  I 
would  fain  make  returns  some  other  way.     Of  all  the  bonds  I 
took  in  Newcastle  county,  I  have  received  but  200  bushels  of 
wheat,  or  thereabouts:  this  I  sent  a  shallop  on  purpose,  having 
first  given  them  notice  by  a  good  hand,  sent  down  some  weeks 
before,  who  was  very  pressing  with  them,  and  appointed  a  day 
for  the  vessel  to  call.     I  have  received  and  discounted  £60  or 
£yo  more  other  ways,  but  only  £\2  in  money.     Of  all  the  land 
sold  we  have  not  yet  received  ;^I50.     The  country  must  have 
time,  or  they  cannot  buy  at  all;    and  though  their  bonds  be 
given,  when  the  time  comes  there  is  scarce  any  money.     I  have 
considerable  due  the  25th  ist  mo.  last,  yet  scarcely  anything  paid. 


96  PENNAND   LOGAN  [1702. 

It  would  keep  a  man  and  horse  employed  only  to  go  a  dunning. 
This  so  melancholy  that  I  am  afraid  to  proceed,  yet  must  and 
will  tell  thee,  that  of  the  bills  remitted  home  last  year  from 
Samuel  Chew,  &c.,  there  was  ^150  left  due  when  thou  went 
away  home  —  ;^lOO  to  Thomas  Masters,  to  I.  Coutts  for  flour: 
had  these,  and  the  rest  to  others,  which  I  have  paid.  Those 
unhappy,  expensive  mills  have  cost  since,  at  least  ;^200  in  our 
money,  besides  several  other  accounts  upon  them.  They  both  go 
these  ten  days  past.  The  town  mi4P  (though  before  ;^I50  had 
been  thrown  away  upon  her  through  miller's  weakness  and  C. 
Empson's  contrivance)  (?)  does  exceeding  well,  and  of  a  small  one 
is  equal  to  any  of  this  province.  I  turned  out  that  old  fool  as 
soon  as  thou  wast  gone,  and  put  her  into  good  and  expeditious 
hands,  who  at  the  opening  of  the  frost  would  set  her  a-going, 
had  not  the  want  of  stones  delayed;  and  the  dam  afterwards 
breaking  with  a  freshet  prevented.  A  job  that  I  was  asked 
;!f  100  by  the  miller,  who  lately  came  from  England  (Warwick's 
Real),  to  repair,  but  got  it  done  for  ;^io.  The  walls,  in  the 
frost,  were  all  ready  to  tumble  down,  which  we  were  forced  to 
underpin  five  feet  deeper,  the  most  troublesome  piece  of  work 
we  had  about  her.  There  was  nothing  done  in  all  this,  nor  is 
there  anything  of  moment,  without  Edward  Shippen's  and  G. 
Owens'  advice,  where  his  is  proper.  Besides  the  £'^0  paid  Capt. 
Tregearny,  I  have  paid  H.  Badcock  near  £^0,  and  the  butcher 
near  £60  on  the  old  account,  and  the  baker  £2>i,  all  due  at  thy 
departure,  with  several  other  bills  that  became  very  thick  on 
me,  which  entirely  drained  me  of  all  I  could  receive  in  the 
winter  by  any  means  whatsoever,  and  left  me  quite  empty-handed 
when  the  spring  came  to  make  returns.  Howsoever,  I  have 
pushed  forward  that  way  to  my  utmost,  and,  notwithstanding 
what  has  been  said,  have  done  as  near  as  much  as  if  under 
none  of  these  hardships We  have  made  our  agree- 
ment for  land,  I  believe  of  great  consequence,  but  whether  good 
or  ill  I  know  not.  I  have  from  the  first  been  exceedingly 
uneasy  about  it,  and  would  have  drove  it  off,  but  could  not. 

^  [The  town  mill,  at  this  time  known  as  the  Governor's  Mill,  was 
afterwards  known  as  the  Globe  Mill,  and  stood  on  the  west  side  of  Ger- 
mantown  Road,  between  Canal  Street  and  Girard  Avenue. — Editor.] 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  97 

'Tis  that  of  the  Octoraro  settlement  of  18,000  acres,  a  copy  of 
the  minutes  of  which  comes  enclosed,  to  which  I  refer  thee. 
Land,  'tis  certain,  lies  in  dispute,  and  within  the  bounds  of 
Talbot's  grant,  as  we  are  since  informed.  C.  Empson  was  the 
chief,  and  very  eager  for  it.  I  thought  at  first,  by  his  proposals, 
it  was  much  more  north  than  it  proved,  and  would  be  a  great 
encouragement  for  the  settlement  of  Susquehanna,  as  doubtless 
it  will.  However,  having  among  themselves  contrived  their 
expedition,  they  were  resolved  on  it,  and  would  have  gone  to 
Maryland.  Some  threatened  (but  not  Cornelius)  others  that  they 
would  find  other  measures;  and  Thomas  Fairman,  'tis  certain,  was 
resolved  on  it  all  last  winter,  for  that  company,  and  had  spoke 
to  chainmen  to  go  with  him  to  survey  it,  which  "had  he  done,  I 
could  not  have  been  sorry,  if  it  proves  so  contestable,  only  that 
by  that  means  so  noble  a  settlement  would  have  been  defeated, 
which  ought  really  to  be  encouraged.  They  all  design  to  settle 
it  forthwith,  under  certain  regulations,  which  if  they  do,  the 
3000  reserved  for  thee,  which  with  much  trouble  I  obtained, 
will  be  more  valuable  than  the  whole  was  before.  I  advised 
with  Samuel  Carpenter  and  the  best  of  others,  who  all,  as 
well  as  the  commoner,  concurred  that  it  should  -be  granted. 
The  land,  I  perceive,  is  a  rich  commodious  tract,  about  eight  or 
ten  miles  from  the  navigable  part  of  Northeast  River. 

From  Samuel  Carpenter's  hand  I  received  a  letter,  directed 
to  thee,  enclosed  to  him  from  Anthony  Sharp,  which  he  assured 
me  was  of  business,  and  therefore  persuaded  me  to  open  it.  In 
the  course  of  it  I  found  one  particular  pleasing  to  us  both,  viz., 
his  advising  with  thee  about  the  purchase  of  all  Talbot's  manor, 
which  he  said  was  offered  to  him.  If,  instead  of  him,  thou  canst 
purchase  it  for  anything  under  ;{^2000,  if  it  contain  what  they 
say  it  does,  viz.,  6000  or  8000  acres,  I  do  engage,  if  we  have 
peace,  to  raise  the  money  off  one  half  of  it,  and  much  less  in 
less  than  three  years.  That  had  disposed  of  I  know  is  the  best; 
but  the  settling  of  that  will  do  the  same  by  the  rest,  and  there 
wanted  encouragement  to  carry  a  cart-road  above  40  miles 
through  the  woods,  which  they  have  engaged  to  do  forthwith; 
upon  their  entry,  they  were  eager  to  begin  this  spring,  but 
desiring  to  have  a  clear  title,  were  resolved  to  go  into  Maryland 


98  PENNAND   LOGAN  [1702. 

and  purchase  Talbot's  place  from  his  agent  there, -if  to  be  done; 
but,  hearing  of  it,  diverted  the  design,  assuring  them  it  lay  in 
thy  power,  more  than  any  other's,  to  accommodate  that  point.  I 
believe  really  'tis  below  40°,  and  with  that  could  be  settled, 
only  the  government  should  thou  purchase  it,  will  not  follow 
the  soil,  and  that  will  lessen  the  value.  This  I  believe  will 
retard  the  settlement  this  year.  Susquehanna  business  goes  but 
slowly  on  for  want  of  time  for  the  undertakers  to  follow,  viz., 
S.  Carpenter  to  follow  it,  as  they  say  Samuel  is  a  true  friend, 
but  overburdened  with  his  own  business;  and  'tis  entirely  out 
of  my  way  to  manage  it,  being  able  only  to  press  him  on: 
however,  I  have  hopes  there  will  be  above  ;^5000  subscribed; 
but  the  pay  we  must  leave  to  the  state  of  the  times,  which  will 
influence  it.  I  hope,  then,  thou  wilt  come  to  a  full  resolution 
there  what  is  to  be  done  in  the  company's  business  who  pur- 
chased the  6000  acres.  Thou  art  under  an  obligation  by  thy 
deeds,  which  must  either  be  complied  with  or  some  other  way 
discharged.     I  have  read  over  copies  of  the  deeds  here,  and  find 

it  in power  to  do  a  world  of  mischief,  and  seen  bitter 

angry  letters  to  him  (subscribed  by  those  from  whom  thou 
wouldst  not  expect  it,  perhaps)  to  do  his  duty.  He  halts 
between  two;  and  am  sure  he  is  not  faithful  to  them,  though 
honest  to  thee,  in  it;  but  how  he  will  answer  if  they  prove 
rigid  I  know  not.  His  son  lives  with  me  in  J.  Sander's  place. 
He  is  not  so  good  a  hand,  but  seems  really  honest.  For  the 
sake  of  the  bill  I  supplied  J.  Sanders  with  £1$  when  I  could 
very  ill  spare,  for  which  he  drew  ;^iO  on  his  mother,  which  she 
will  not,  I  suppose,  scruple  to  pay  as  the  fatted  calf  at  the 
return  of  her  prodigal.  He  left  me  soon  after  thy  departure, 
because  his  wages  would  have  run  higher  than  I  could  afford. 
I  paid  him  to  the  last  penny,  and  mostly  on  my  own  account, 
though  he  could  scarce  believe  it.  He  has  behaved  himself  very 
well  ever  since,  having  spent  his  time  in  learning  navigation; 
and  now  is  the  bearer  of  this,  or  a  copy.  He  desired  to  be 
mentioned;  and  I  do  him  but  justice.  Jos.  Growdon  has  had 
his  land  resurveyed,  together  with  all  Bensalem  township,  of 
which  I  send  also  a  minute.  Please  to  consider  whether  he  shall 
have  the  manor  as  desired,  without  thy  orders.     I  am  sure  I 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  99 

shall  not  agree,  though  he  procured  a  resurvey  on  the  whole 

township  in  expectation  of  it D.  Lloyd  carries  smooth, 

but  is  the  same  at  heart.  He  aimed  a  home  blow  at  the  charter, 
which  would  have  satiated  him  with  revenge  if  it  can  be  done; 
for  it  appears  to  me  to  be  levelled  for  thy  ruin.  Yet  some 
courts  of  that  kind,  not  interfering  with  the  king,  and  rather 
enlarging  than  abridging  thy  powers,  are  much  to  be  desired; 
for  without  them  thou  canst  never  be  safe  or  honorable;  and 
therefore  hope  those,  with  such  privileges  as  the  Jerseys  .upon 
their  surrender  crave,  will  be  thy  endeavor,  which  being  once 
obtained  thou  wilt  be  happier,  in  my  judgment,  without  than 
with  the  government.  If  the  Act  pass,  and  king's  governor 
must  come  before  thee,  let  me  put  thee  in  mind  to  recommend 
me  in  behalf  of  thy  interest  warmly  to  him,  for  it  will  prove  a 
great  advantage  to  thy  affairs  here.  But  if  any,  I  hope  he  will 
be  such  as  will  be  in  a  great  measure  directed  by  thee.  We 
shall  be  exceeding  glad  to  see  Master  William  here;  and,  for 
my  part,  never  be  wanting  in  anything  that  may  tend  to  thy 
or  his  interest  and  honor.  But  I  hope  he  will  come  as  little  as 
possible  forearmed  with  prejudice  against  any;  and  then  I  shall 
to  my  utmost  endeavor  to  give  the  most  impartial  information. 
I  wish  thou  hadst  been  pleased  to  mention  whether  his  family 
comes  or  not,  and  whether  for  a  stay.  If  thou  ever  see  cause  to 
send  over  any  new  commission  of  any  kind  from  thence,  pray 
suffer  me  to  desire  that  they  may  be  authentic;  for  such  as  have 
been  formerly  will  not  go  down  now,  especially  relating  to 
property.  I  have  sent  over  copies  of  the  chief,  viz.,  of  ours'  of 
the  council;  and  I  think  that  of  the  governor's  will  be  ready. 
They  were  all  done  in  haste.  Thou  may  remember  that  ours 
of  the  property  is  not  much  amiss,  I  suppose.  I  have  thought 
often  to  draw  a  draft  of  one  to  erect  us  into  a  proprietary,  that 
by  a  jury  sometimes  we  may  be  capable  of  determining  some 
differences  about  lands,  which  now  we  cannot,  and  are  much 
perplexed.  Pray  be  not  prevailed  on  to  make  easy  grants  there 
on  applications  made  from  hence;  for  we  endeavor  to  steer  by 
justice  without  partiality,  and  have  here  the  opportunities  of 

^  Commissioners  of  property. — L. 


lOO  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

knowing  the  arguments  on  both  sides,  only  in  some  cases  where 
'tis  left  in  thy  breast;  and  then  we  shall  send  over  our  minutes 
as  now,  to  which  we  pray  this  answer.  That  insatiate  office- 
monger,  Capt.  Finney,  will  perhaps  solicit  thee  for  the  surveyor- 
general's  place,  as  he  did  us  immediately  upon  Edward  Pening- 
ton's  death;  but  'tis  only  to  farm  it  out  for  his  profit,  which  I 
take  to  be  an  abuse  in  any  government,  and  has  always  been 
avoided  in  this  since  thy  last  arrival.  'Tis  ordered  now  in  my 
opinion  to  best  to  accommodate  this  juncture;  and  perhaps 
there  may  be  no  reason  found  to  alter  it.  I  neither  got,  nor 
pretend  to  one  farthing  by  it.  Solomon  Warder  comes  just 
now  on  me  for  ;i^200  to  pay  for  the  plantation  bought  for  his 
father,  which  reduces  me  to  the  greatest  extremity  on  so  short 
a  warning.  My  charge  and  care  at  this  time  is  almost  insup- 
portable; but  I  am  resolved  to  keep  myself  in  debt,  that  I  may 
always  be  under  the  greater  necessity  of  getting  in  money. 
Pray  take  not  amiss  what  I  said  before  of  a  partner  in  our 
commission  concerned  in  the  seal.  'Tis  not  that  I  am  really 
uneasy  or  begrudge  it,  but  only  state  the  difference  while  I  am 
all  on  my  own  charge  as  well  as  he.  We  are  all  very  good 
friends  in  public  business,  without  the  least  rub,  though  not 
quite  so  otherwise.  We  have  heard  nothing  of  Edward  Single- 
ton's arrival  in  Barbadoes.  I  consign  to  him,  or,  in  absence,  to 
Jno.  Grove,  to  whom  otherways  I  would  riot,  being  so  sharp  in 
merchants'  business  that  he  charged  commission  for  paying 
money  to  himself  I  hope  E.  S.  will  be  more  moderate  in 
respect  to  thee;  but  such  is  the  rigor  of  merchants,  justified  by 
practice.  There  is  but  one  pair  of  stones  upon  the  mill,  and  it 
will  be  convenient  to  have  another,  which  should  be  Cullen's 
or  Black's  stones,  for  the  name  of  them  gives  great  credit  to  a 
mill,  and  therefore  brings  grist.  If  an  opportunity  offer,  it  would 
do  well,  I  believe,  to  ship  a  small  pair  from  thence;  the  freight 
will  be  cheap,  and  the  price  about  ^^^15.  I  suppose  we  can 
get  none  here  under  ^^50  or  £6o\  I  offered  £40  for  a  pair  better 
worth  it  than  any  other  in  the  country  worth  ;^20,  the  price  of 
those  we  have,  being  English  or  Welsh.  I  am  forced  to  keep 
this  house  still,  there  being  no  accommodation  to  be  had  else- 
where for  public  business,  and  live  as  easy  as   I  can   in  the 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  lOI 

governor's*  absence.  He  seemed  by  thy  discourse  to  him  to 
depend  on  this  place.  His  coming  is  a  great  charge  to  me,  and 
know  not  how  to  order  or  understand  it.  I  wish  we  knew  what 
bottom  we  stand  on  there,  that  measures  might  be  taken,  the  first 
for  the  office,  the  other  for  the  accounts  and  all  kinds  of  business. 
Jacob  Taylor  likewise  tables  here,  (the  office  must  pay  for  him,) 
and  holds  it  in  thy  closet  that  was,  the  books,  &c.  being  removed 
into  the  next  room  just  above  it.  What  letters  came  to  hand 
accompany  this.  Thy  sister's,  &c.,  were  never  touched,  though 
the  outside  being  under  the  agent's  cover  was  broken ;  others 
there  were  delivered  by  persons  who,  knowing  they  related  to 
their  business  here,  desired  we  should  open  them.  That  from 
Wm.  Edmundson  was  opened  by  mistake, — but  seeing  the  name, 
I  never  read  four  lines  of  it,  nor  has  any  other  seen  it,  —  the 
governor  always  desiring  the  agent's  might  be  opened;  but  I 
generally  did  it  privately  first,  though  these  are  certainly  public 
letters.  The  friend's  from  Holland  I  was  forced  to  open,  because 
it  accompanied  a  large  packet;  it  seems  noways  relating  to  thee; 
and  some  odd  pieces  of  wood,  which  I  neither  then  knew  nor 
do  yet  know  the  meaning.  Wm.  Edmundson's  was  delivered 
about  the  same  time  that  a  parcel  of  fine  sugar  and  chocolate 
was,  and  I  was  in  hopes  it  gave  an  account  from  whence  that 
came;  but  I  am  yet  ignorant.  I  am  ashamed  to  add  another 
sheet,  and  therefore  must  conclude  with  due  regards  to  all  thy 
family.  Thy  most  faithful  and  dutiful  servant, 

James  Logan. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  wth  2,d mo.,  1702. 
Honored  Governor:  —  After  two  long  letters,  the  one  of  the 
government,  the  other  of  the  property,  already  written,  I  must 
still  crave  leave  to  add  the  following  gleanings,  some  of  which 
I  purposely  reserved  for  a  private  letter  out  of  that  of  the  gov- 
ernment, the  others  by  omission  or  fresh  occasion.  Of  the  first, 
by  all  the  endeavors  I  could  use  I  could  not  prevail  on  Charles 

*    Gove; nor  Hamilton. — Editor.] 


I02  PENNANDLOGAN  [1702. 

Read^  to  put  his  hand  to  anything  about  the  appraisement;  for 
it  would  be  of  ill  consequence  to  himself,  as  he  reckons,  and 
stage  him  for  a  fool  to  send  any  such  thing  now,  howsoever  true. 

There  is  no  procuring  any  better  certificate  than  that  already 
sent,  signed  by  G.  Jones,  &c.;  for  it  is  the  fixed  opinion  of  all 
the  party  there  was  something  like  it,  and  our  friends'  hands 
will  do  no  good.  I  not  only  found  a  difficulty  in  procuring  a 
list  of  the  inhabitants  of  Philadelphia  County,  but  if  obtained, 
which  to  be  sure  is  possible  with  sufficient  endeavors,  though 
very  troublesome,  it  would  do  more  harm  than  good,  by  creat- 
ing jealousies  and  distrust;  for  Philadelphia  town  being  above 
half  the  inhabitants,  two  thirds  of  those  I  believe  are  no  Friends, 
which  brings  town  and  country,  as  I  judge,  near  upon  a  balance, 
the  greater  part  of  the  country  being  Friends. 

We  have  seen  an  unhappy  letter  from  hence  in  one  of  the 
printed  newspapers  published  at  London,  mentioning  William 
Dyer's  application  to  thee  for  his  marsh.  He  has  since  again 
applied  to  us,  and  denies  several  of  the  words  there  said,  but 
cannot  all,  for  'tis  certain  too  many  of  them  are  true.  He  has 
promised  to  give  *as  many  as  he  can  under  his  hand  to  clear 
that  point,  and  affirms  that  he  never  told  it  but  to  two  or  three 
of  his  particular  friends,  who  he  thought  would  never  have  used 
it,  and  believes  they  did  not,  however  it  came  about.  Be  pleased 
to  consider  his  marsh,  without  which  he  says  he  is  utterly  ruined, 
being  nonsuited  and  cast  in  a  large  bond,  which  he  gave  to  make  a 
title.  The  lower  counties,  though  they  keep  the  peace,  yet  are 
full  in  expectation  of  a  change,  and  upon  that  hope  their  rents 
will  in  some  way  be  eased,  or  applied  to  forts,  which  makes  it 
exceeding  difficult  to  get  any  rents  there;  and  indeed,  unless 
some  course  be  taken  at  home  soon,  we  shall  in  a  great  measure 
lose  the  advantage  to  be  made  by  them.  Newcastle  I  hope  to 
do  pretty  well  with,  but  cannot  manage  the  other  two,  that  are 
now  in  the  hands  of  the  spoiled  W,  C,  who,  if  I  be  not  quite 
out,  has  ruined  thee  there.  He  is  serviceable  in  government, 
but  unhappy  in  property.  ^  must  go  down  5th  mo.  next,  but 
cannot  before. 

'  Chas.  Read  died  in  1705. — L. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  IO3 

Thou  wilt  see  an  effect  of  S.  Carpenter's  good-will  by  his 
letter  of  credit  or  obligation.  I  was  in  hopes  to  have  had  a  bill 
of  him,  or  of  Isaac  Norris,  who  both  showed  their  readiness,  but 
could  not  at  that  time.  I  have  really  done  all  in  my  power  to 
procure  bills,  but  can  by  no  means,  for  want  of  money,  for  the 
goods  I  purchase  are  chiefly  by  transferring  debts ;  but  S.  Warder's 
I  cannot  answer  to,  which  straitens  me  exceedingly,  and  the 
worse  because  unexpected  at  a  juncture  in  which  I  am  so  much 
involved.  E.  Shippen  has  no  money  there  now,  I  believe, 
otherwise  I  should  have  procured  it;  but  he  is  exceeding 
hard.  I  have  sent  a  second  bill  of  Letitia's  for  one  hundred 
pounds.  If  thy  strait  be  very  great,  and  if  she  please  to  lend 
that,  and  thou  give  interest  upon  thy  bill  on  me  for  her,  I  will 
secure  it  to  her  here  on  better  interest;  only  'tis  safer  there  in 
case  of  war. 

I  know  not  what  to  do  with  T.  F.^  Had  he  any  truth  in  him 
he  would  show  it  to  thee.  I  really  believe  his  son  living  with 
me  is  a  tie  upon  him;  but  it  all  looks  like  washing  the  blacka- 
moor white.  It  will  not  come  out,  however,  that  he  is  really  a 
friend  in  the  company  and  business,  though  by  those  deeds, 
scarce  honest  to  them.  Rockland^  is  the  hardest  of  all.  Within 
these  three  days  his  son  is  taken  with  the  small-pox,  another 
hindrance,  &c. 

I  am  now  obliged  to  continue  in  the  office  of  secretary  of  the 
government,'  unless  I  would  openly  abandon  thy  interest;  for 
there  is  scarce  an  officer  in  it  that  regards  it  enough,  —  their 
own  engages  them.  Capt.  Finney  is  very  serviceable,  and  a 
good  man,  would  he  but  let  canvassing  for  office  alone,  by 
which  he  exposes  himself,  but  I  think  is  truly  hearty,  and  desires 
his  best  respects  to  thee. 

John  Salkeld,  who  next  3d  day  is  going  down  to  Maryland 
in  order  to    embark    homeward    if  he  find  an    opportunity  to 

^  Thomas  Fairman  probably  is  here  meant.     He  was  a  surveyor. — L. 

^  A  manor  so  called,  now  almost  incalculably  valuable  on  account  of 
the  Brandywine  mill-seats,  &c.  — L. 

'  Of  the  lower  counties,  and  of  the  ofificers  there,  this  is  probably 
meant.  Finney  lived  at  Newcastle.  There  had  been  a  j)roposition 
for  a  distinct  secretary  for  the  lower  counties. —  L. 


104  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

please  him,  otherwise  will  return  and  stay  over  next  winter,  just 
now,  at  parting,  desires  his  dearest  love  may  be  given  to  thee 
and  thine.  He  is  a  most  worthy  man,  and  to  me  almost  a 
miracle.  His  growth  in  his  testimony  since  coming  into  these 
parts  is  wonderful. 

The  two  grants  thou  signed  to  thy  son  John,  and  thy  children 
by  the  same,  are  not  yet  sealed.  The  Trustees  were  S.  Carpenter, 
Is.  Norris,  and  E.  Penington;  but  the  latter,  on  whom  the 
active  part  was  to  fall,  being  dead  before  sealing,  it  may  be 
convenient  to  insert  another,  for  which  I  crave  thy  direction. 
The  registry  of  ships  is  to  be  delivered  to  the  commissioners 
of  the  customs;  'tis  not  fit  for  me  to  write  to  them.  Pray  be 
pleased  to  take  notice  of  Ed.  Farmer's  letter  of  the  minutes. 
Once  more  concluded.  Thy  most  dutiful  ff,  J.  L. 

The  ship  has  gone  down,  and  John  just  following. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Newcastle,  2%ih  T^d mo.,  1702. 

Honored  Governor:  —  In  the  2d,  7th,  and  nth  of  this  instant 
I  have  been  large  by  Capt.  Guy,  of  which  should  send  copies 
by  this,  were  she  bound  to  London,  but  intending  only  for 
Liverpool,  think  it  more  advisable  to  defer  them  till  the  next 
opportunity,  though  I  shall  therefore,  seeing  nothing  new  has 
occurred  since  that  time  amongst  us,  repeat  nothing  here  besides 
mentioning  what  I  have  already  done,  viz.,  incurring  about  ^^450 
or  ;^500  per  the  brigantine  Hopewell,  Benjamin  Berman,  master; 
burden  about  70  tons,  in  which  thou  art  two  thirds  concerned, 
both  vessel  and  cargo.  She  sails  within  10  or  14  days  by  the 
channel  directly  for  London. 

I  have  also  now  positively  bought  one  quarter  of  the  ship 
Industry,  of  which  Dennis  was  master,  being  the  vessel  that 
was  thought  last  year  to  be  the  French  man-of-war,  only,  as  I 
have  said  before,  for  the  advantage  of  freight.  She  will  carry 
about  200  hhds.,  of  which  50  on  thy  account,  and  5  or  10  of 
logwood.  By  the  brigantine  I  shall  be  particular  about  her. 
The  mournful  news  of  the  King's  death,  of  which  we  first  heard 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  IO5 

last  week,  will,  I  fear,  strike  a  great  damp  on  business.  I  am 
almost  afraid  to  give  thee  an  account  of  the  sudden  extraordinary 
scarcity  of  money  amongst  us,  lest  it  should  be  thought  I  would 
frame  excuses;  but  by  many  concurring  accounts  I  know  it  will 
be  confirmed.  'Tis  hoped,  indeed,  that  the  small-pox,  reigning 
universally  in  Philadelphia,  though  wonderfully  favorable,  may 
be  some  cause  of  the  dullness  of  trade,  and  therefore  of  that 
scarcity;  but  find  now  that  not  one  in  ten  can  pay  according  to 
engagements. 

This  coming  by  R.  Janney,  in  company  with  W.  M.,^  gives 
me  occasion  to  turn  my  pen  to  a  subject,  which  as  duty  on  one 
hand  obliges  me  to  hint,  so  prudence  on  the  other  to  touch 
with  the  utmost  tenderness,  if  upon  the  news  brought  by  several 
letters  on  board  Guy,  that  in  all  probability  my  young  mistress 
(Letitia  Penn)  by  this  time  has  changed  her  name,  though  I 
willingly  would,  yet  cannot  forbear  informing  thee  of  what  has 
been  since  too  liberally  discoursed  of  her,  and  among  the  rest, 
not  sparingly  by  some  that  signed  her  certificate,  viz.,  that  she 
was  under  some  particular  engagement  to  the  before-mentioned 
W.  M.,  the  said  signers  having,  upon  some  unhappy  information 
given  them,  lately  expressed  so  great  a  dissatisfaction  at  what 
they  had  done,  that  it  had  been  proposed  among  them  to  send 
over  and  contradict  or  retract  it.  I  am  really  a  stranger  to 
what  passed,  resolving  not  to  meddle  through  a  sense  of  duty. 
What  I  knew  I  endeavored  as  far  as  was  proper  from  me  should 
be  known;  what  I  could  fear  I  tried  to  prevent;  but  from  the 
discourses  of  those  who  had  better  opportunities  of  knowing,  I 
have  too  much  reason  to  believe  that  before  she  departed  she 
was  actually  under  some  engagements  to  William,  from  which, 
without  great  reflections  or  some  dishonor,  she  cannot  recede 
unless  he  resign.  My  reason  of  mentioning  this  is,  that  if  she 
is  since  engaged  to  W.  A.  [William  Aubrey],  but  all  not  con- 
firmed, such  caution  may  be  used  with  W.  M.  as  to  get  a  clear- 
ance from  him  the  best  way  it  may  be  obtained;  or,  if  all  be 
over,  lest  W.  M.,  on  the  disappointment,  which  he  will  bitterly 
resent,  should  be  guilty  of  any  expression  that  may  tend  to  her 

'  [William  Masters  is  referred  to.  A  portion  of  this  has  been  inad- 
vertently repeated  in  note  at  p.  135. — Editor.] 


lo6  PENN  AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

disquiet,  but  that  prudent  endeavors  may  be  used  to  soften  him, 
or  stop  his  mouth  from  injuring  her,  either  in  respect  to  her 
husband  or  the  world.  I  am  much  troubled  that  there  should 
be  occasion  of  this  from  me,  well  knowing  how  disagreeable  it 
must  come,  however  things  stand,  and  that  it  must  expose  me 
to  unkind  thoughts,  at  least  if  communicated,  duty  being  my 
only  inducement.  There  is  not  one  syllable  here  designed  on 
his  [W.  M.'s]  account;  for  in  affairs  relating  to  that  sex  I  am  no 
way  his  debtor,  though  I  wish  him  well,  which  he  will  scarcely 
believe,  and  therefore  has  been  unkind  to  me.  I  mention  this 
only  to  show  that  nothing  prevails  with  me  but  the  desire  of 
her  honor  and  welfare.  Whoever  can  make  her  happiest  would 
be  most  gladly  congratulated  by  me  in  his  success;  in  which, 
as  I  know  'tis  not  my  part  to  meddle,  so  I  crave  leave  for  my 
boldness,  and  to  subscribe 

Thy  most  faithful  and  dutiful  ff, 

J.  Logan, 

P.  S. — I  came  hither  to  take  up  some  bonds  out  of  Cornelius 
Empson's  hands,  with  whom,  I  fear,  I  must  of  necessity  break. 
In  a  new  commission  for  this  county  he  is  left  out.  They  dropt 
their  courts  entirely  without  adjournment;  but  now  all  things 
go  on  very  regularly,  though  in  these  counties  only  through  an 
expectation  of  having  speedily  a  positive  determination  from 
the  crown  of  what  has  been  questioned;  but  in  the  meantime 
they  arc  very  peaceably  disposed,  though  loth  to  part  with 
their  quit-rents,  for  the  sake  of  which,  if  no  other,  that  affair 
will  require  to  be  drove.  J.  L. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  \Zth  4th  tno.,  1702. 
This  letter,  Mrs.  Logan  remarks,  is  chiefly  devoted  to  an  account 
of  mercantile  transactions  carried  on  by  Logan  on  Penn's  account. 
William  Trent   is   commended  for   his  thorough    skill    and 
insight  into  trade.     He  was  a  successful   merchant  of  Phila- 
delphia, but  afterwards  settled  at  Trenton,  which  received  its 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I07 

name  from  him.  None  of  his  descendants,  I  believe,  remain 
among  us.^ 

Speaking  of  the  difficulty  he  lay  under  in  procuring  supplies, 
and  apologizing  for  the  tobacco  sent,  part  of  which  was  not  of 
the  first  quality,  he  says:  —  Such  tobacco  I  must  of  necessity 
take;  for  the  lower  counties  are  now  so  disaffected,  though 
quiet  in  government,  through  the  certain  expectation  of  a 
change,  that  I  do  not  stand  there  on  equal  ground  with  the 
others.  I  can  find  no  way  to  get  in  the  rents  below  but  in 
tobacco,  and  scarce  in  that  now,  being  in  demand  since  Guy's 

arrival,  which  it  was  not  before I  have  procured  a 

parcel  of  bear  and  deers'  skins;  but  'tis  impossible  for  me  to 
procure  any  considerable  quantities  of  those  commodities,  being 
bought  only  with  Indian  goods,  —  for  money,  if  I  had  it,  will 

not  purchase  them.     The  few  stroudwaters I  reserve  to 

treat  with  the  Sonnequois^  Indians,  a  number  of  whom  we  daily 
expect.    'Tis  certain  they  have  made  peace  with  the  F^rench 

[Then  follows  an  account  of  shipments  for  William  Penn,  on 
board  of  the  Rebecca,  and  Cantico,^  of  which  last  he  had  bought 
a  share  for  the  proprietor,  after  which  he  continues:]  —  I  shall 
send  but  little  more  to  Barbadoes  till  better  encouragement 
offers,  for  the  prices  are  extremely  low  there,  though  it  would 
be  the  easiest  remittance  to  me  of  any,  as  bills  and  tobacco 
are  the  most  difficult ;  but  the  first  I  expect  very  few  there, 
there  being  scarce  any  kind  of  money  amongst  us  to  purchase 
them  with,  of  which  I  wish  thou  wouldst  inquire  of  others,  for  I 
am  ashamed  to  insist  on  this  strain.  .  .  . 

I  can  get  nothing  more  of  R.  Stockton.  He  would  gladly 
take  up  money  anywhere  on  interest,  but  cannot;  nor  have 
received   anything  of  Philadelphia   subscriptions   yet,  Samuel 

'William  Trent's  first  wife  was  the  sister  of  Col.  Coxe.  She  died  in 
child-bjed  in  the  slate-roof,  at  the  time  he  owned  it.  After  her  death 
he  sold  it  and  went  abroad,  but  returned  again  to  Pennsylvania,  and 
married  for  his  second  wife  one  of  the  daughters  of  John  Moore,  so 
often  mentioned  in  this  work  as  inimical  to  the  proprietor. — L. 

'Senecas. — L. 

'This,  in  another  letter,  the  proprietor  says  he  had  scruples  about 
doing.     The  Cantico  was  taken  and  carried  into  France. — L. 


I08  PENN  AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

Carpenter^  having  desired  the  collecting  of  those,  that  he  might 
signalize  his  services  therein,  and  procure  new  ones;  but,  wher- 
ever the  cause  lies,  he  has  done  nothing  yet.  I  only  know  this, 
he  is  a  great  projector  for  his  own  interest.  I  am  unhappy  in 
this,  that  half  of  those  who  owe  money  in  the  country  endeavor 
to  draw  on  him,  and  he  never  has  any ;  so  that,  unless  I  take 
bread  and  flour,  whether  it  will  do  or  not,  I  can  get  nothing; 
but  nothing  can  prevail  with  me  to  send  any  away  but  what  I 
think  will  turn  best  to  thy  account.  The  rents  are  behind  still. 
Of  all  the  subscriptions  of  Bucks  I  have  received  but  one  ton 
and  a  half  of  flour.  Chester  county  is  the  best  in  dll  kinds  of 
public  payments;  and  this  the  worst;  Bucks  not  much  better, 
now  their  pillar,  Phineas  Pemberton,  is  gone. 

We  continue  very  quiet  in  government,  but  admire  we  can 
have  no  account  of  affairs  there.  Packets,  with  orders  to  pro- 
claim the  queen,  have  arrived  in  Virginia,  Maryland,  New  York 
and  Boston,  by  the  men-of-war,  but  none  here,  which  makes 
many  admirize,  thou  being  there  on  the  spot.  And  unhappily 
two  days  ago  there  came  a  letter  by  way  of  Barbadoes  to  Capt. 
Finney,  dated  the  17th  of  February,  affirming  that  thou  hadst 
lost  the  government,  and  another  was  coming  over  in  thy  place, 
which,  though  not  believed  by  any  of  sense,  considering  thy 
letter  of  the  4th  of  the  same  month,  yet  't  is  of  ill  consequence, 
especially  being  heightened  by  Governor  Nicholson's*  letter  to 

^  [Mrs.  Logan  remarks  of  this  public-spirited  and  enterprising  gen- 
tleman :  "He  has  left  numerous  descendants  of  his  own  name,  settled 
near  Salem,  in  West  Jersey.  The  Whartons,  Merediths,  and  Clymers, 
also  the  Fishbourns,  are  his  descendants  in  the  female  Ime, — and  some 
others. ' '  —  Editor.] 

^  [Col.  Francis  Nicholson  was  appointed,  in  1688,  Lieut.  Gov.  of 
New  England  and  New  York  under  Andros.  Upon  the  arrival  of  the 
news  of  the  imprisonment  of  Andros  in  New  England,  and  of  the 
declaration  in  favor  of  the  Revolution,  the  Protestant  inhabitants,  find- 
ing that  Nicholson  would  not  declare  for  William,  took  possession  of 
the  fort,  and  proclaimed  the  King  and  Queen.  Upon  his  submission, 
however,  he  was  continued  Lieut.  Gov.  of  New  York.  In  1690,  he 
became  Governor  of  Virginia,  and  subsequently  returned  to  England, 
hoping  to  be  reappointed  Governor  of  New  York.  Penn  had  occasion, 
in  1696,  in  his  letter  to  the  Commissioners,  to  complain  of  "the  violence 
and  harsh  carriage  of  Col.  Nicholson,"  which  may  explain  the  origin 
of  the  feeling  againt  tlie  proprietor.  —  ///.  Doc.  relating  to  N.  V.,  537  ; 
and  see  Index. — Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  IO9 

J.  M.  [John  Moore],  importing  that  thy  interest  is  lost,  which, 
notwithstanding,  gains  but  little  credit. 

Governor  Hamilton  acquits  himself  well  by  an  easy  carriage, 
but  dare  strain  nothing  for  want  of  approbation.  He  was  lately 
at  New  York  to  wait  on  Lord  Cornbury,  from  whom  he  received 
very  great  civilities,  and  is  much  in  his  favor 

[Next  follows,  observes  Mrs.  Logan,  an  account  of  the  settle- 
ment of  Octoraroe,  in  Talbot's  manor.  The  writer  continues  :] 
At  the  time  of  granting  it  was  thought  very  well  of,  and  Samuel 
Carpenter's  judgment,  who  I  know  has  great  foresight,  was  the 
chief  inducement  to  me  to  join,  who  would  rather  have  chose  to 
stave  it  off,  as  I  have  always  since  the  survey ;  but  the  people  who 
were  to  enter  upon  it  being  generally  much  straitened  for  land  in 
Chester  county,  where  chiefly  they  live,  are  bent  upon  a  settlement 
there  this  year.  They  have  lately  drawn  lots ;  and  six  very  good 
ones,  as  I  am  informed,  of  about  500  acres  each,  are  fallen  to  thy 
share;  which,  when  a  road  is  cut  and  a  settlement  made,  will  be  of 
much  more  value  than  all  the  18,000  was  before;  but  all  my  trou- 
ble is,  'tis  too  near  Maryland;  and  though  not  all,  if  any,  within 
that  province,  yet  't  is  certainly  all  jn  Talbot's  manor 

[7;^  Cmti7iuation7\  l^d  ^tk  mo.,  1702. —  Since  writing  the  above 
an  express  arrived  from  Lord  Cornbury  to  Governor  Hamilton 
7th  day  morning  last,  being  the  20th  instant,  importing  he  had 
received  orders  to  proclaim  the  queen  in  N.  York,  and  in  the 
Jerseys,  and  accordingly  designed  to  be  at  Burlington  that  day; 
but  he  came  not  till  next.  The  governor,  with  several  from 
hence,  went  toward  Crosswicks  to  meet  him.  Upon  the  first 
discourse  of  those  parts,  and  mentioning  of  our  province,  he 
expressed  a  willingness  to  give  it  a  visit,  and  thereupon  had  an 
invitation.  2d  day  morning  I  hasted  down  to  make  provision, 
and  in  a  few  hours'  time  had  a  very  handsome  dinner,  really 
equal,  they  say,  to  anything  he  had  seen  in  America.  At  night 
he  was  invited  to  Edward  Shippen's,  where  he  lodged,  and  dined 
to-day  with  all  his  company,  30  in  number.  He  is  just  now 
gone  off  in  the  boat,  very  handsomely  attended,  expressing  a 
great  satisfaction  in  the  place  and  the  decency  of  his  entertain- 
ment in  all  its  parts.  He  has  wrote  two  packets  by  this  oppor- 
tunity, which  are  inclosed.     In  them  he  has  acknowledged  the 


no  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

civilities  of  the  place,  as  his  secretary  affirms;  and,  I  have  great 
reason  to  believe,  to  Lord  Rochester  especially,  if  I  mistake 
not;  and  in  general  has  recommended  us.  The  entertainment 
has  been  some  charge,  his  retinue  and  company  being  great; 
but  if  there  remains  any  room  for  a  favor  from  the  court  to 
this  province,  I  believe  there  has  seldom  been  any  [illegible] 
better  bestowed  on  it,  considering  his  near  relation  to  the 
crown.'  He  designs  to  visit  Pennsbury  to-morrow  in  the  fore- 
noon, as  he  goes  up  from  Burlington  by  water  towards  the  falls, 
where  I  must  meet  and  receive  him  the  best  we  can.  I  have 
sent  up  wine  and  what  could  be  got,  and  have  staid  behind 
myself  to  despatch  away  this  vessel,  but  must  go  early  in  the 
morning  by  land. 

\_In  Continuation.~\  2^th  ^th  mo.,  1702. — The  vessel  staying  a 
day  longer,  I  left  this  unfinished  and  went  to  receive  Lord 
Cornbury,  as  I  said  on  the  other  page,  at  Pennsbury.  He  was 
attended  all  the  way  with  four  boats  besides  his  own,  and  about 
ten  in  the  morning  arrived  there,  with  about  fifty  in  company. 
With  Mary's  great  diligence,  and  all  our  care,  we  got  ready  a 
handsome  country  entertainment,  which,  though  much  inferior 
to  those  at  Philadelphia  for  cost,  &c.,  yet  for  the  decency  and 
good  order  gave  no  less  satisfaction,  which  he  expressed  at  his 
departure  to  the  highest  degree,  promising  to  acknowledge  it 
particularly  to  thee,  and  to  serve  us  all  that  ever  lie  in  his 
power,  either  in  England  or  here.  He  expresses  a  great  regard 
for  thee,  and  is  much  averse  to  the  warmth  of  those  who  go  by 
the  name  of  the  church  here;  for  which  reason,  or  some  other 
which  I  cannot  yet  learn,  none  of  the  chief  of  them  waited  on 
him  up  the  river,  chiefly,  I  suppose,  because  he  was  pleased  to 
be  in  Quaker  hands.  Our  people,  if  that  bill  go  forward, 
would  be  well  satisfied  to  be  under  him;  for  they  believe  they 
could  never  have  one  of  a  more  excellent  temper.  They  look 
on  him  as  their  saviour  at  New  York;  nor  do  the  Dutch  there 
know  how  to  blame  him. 

Before  thy  departure  a  packet  came  with  news  of  the  alteration 
of  the  ministry  at  home.     J.  Moore  received  a  letter  from  Col. 

*He  was  first  cousin  to  Queen  Anne. — L. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  Ill 

Quary,  I  am  told,  upon  which  he  talks  very  big;  but  we  know 
not  the  meaning  of  it-  We  much  admire  we  cannot  now  hear 
from  thee,  nor  have  orders  to  proclaim  the  queen,  it  being  done 
everywhere  around  us. 

John  Sotcher,  I  hope,  is  arrived  ere  this  with  a  large  packet,  &c. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  iisi  ^ih  mo.,  1702. 
Esteemed  Friend,  James  Logan  : — Of  my  many  letters  I  hear 
of  none  arrived,  but  hope  one  is  by  way  of  New  England  ;  (for) 
last  2d  mo.  Daniel  Zachary  informed  me  he  had  on  that  day, 
13th,  despatched  my  packet  inclosed  in  one  to  Isaac  Norris ; 
and  since  I  find  nothing  said  in  that  only  one  I  have  received 
from  thee,  after  seven  months  and  more,  of  what  I  so  earnestly 
desired  should  be  sent  after  me,  (namely,  the  several  affidavits 
about  Charles  Read's  low  appraisement,  Perry's  prize,  or  the 
prices  those  goods  were  sold  at,  with  more  to  the  same  pur- 
pose, against  or  to  balance  Col.  Quary's  complaints,)  I  must 
say  it  is  to  my  inexpressible  trouble,  and  I  fear  my  irreparable 
disappointment;  but  I  will  not  fall  into  resentment  by  too  long 
dwelling  on  this  unpleasant  subject  and  the  uneasiness  it  must 
needs  give  me,  but  I  must  tell  thee  I  am  very  unhappy.  I  hear 
by  Isaac  Norris  that  the  commissioners,  and  consequently  you, 
despatch  the  greedy  people  after  settlements,  and  am  glad  of  it, 
and  would  have  that  done  and  not  the  other  left  undone.  I 
send  Quary's  information,  and  would  have  them  considered  by 
the  people,  and  those  who  were  upon  the  spot  at  the  time  and 
know  the  calumny  and  misstatements  which  are  contained 
therein  ;  and  I  would  have  two  copies  of  a  counter-statement 
to  employ  as  I  see  best  here,  and  signed  by  all  persons,  if 
others  will  join,  distinguishing  between  our  friends  and  other 
societies,  it  would  do  well.  'T  is  not  Col.  Quary,  or  J.  Moore, 
or  two  more  such,  signify  anything  here,  but  as  there  is  another 
end  to  serve,  and  that  is  what  I  have  the  laboring  oar  against, 
and  for  all  this  am  not  without  hopes  of  success  one  way  or 
other.     But  never  had  poor  man  my  task  —  neither  men  nor 


112  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

money  to  assist  me.  I  therefore  strictly  charge  thee  that  thou 
represent  it  to  Friends  there  that  I  am  distressed  for  want  of 
supply ;  that  I  am  forced  to  borrow  money/  and  add  debt  to 
debt  instead  of  paying  them  off;  besides  my  uncomfortable 
distance  from  my  family  and  the  unspeakable  fatigue  and  vexa- 
tion that  follow  my  attendances,  draughts  of  answers,  confer- 
ences, counsels'  opinions,  hearings,  &c.,  with  the  charge  that 
follows  them.  Guineas  melting  four,  five,  six  a  week,  and 
sometimes  as  many  in  a  day.  My  wife  hitherto  is  kept  by  her 
father,  whence  she  is  coming  next  week  to  Worminghurst,  on 
my  daughter's  account,  in  likelihood  to  marry.  I  have  been 
more  sensibly  touched  for  the  honor  of  the  country's  adminis- 
tration than  for  myself,  and  said  ten  times  more  than  I  send, 
and  after  all  believe  Quary  repents  him  of  his  wickedness,  as 
he  has  been  roundly  handled  by  Lumbys,  owners  and  freighters, 
and  see  his  frivolous  as  well  as  malicious  attempts  against  me 
not  like  to  honor  him  or  harm  me  as  far  as  he  intended. 
Governor  Hamilton  had  the  effect  of  it  so  much  before  I  came 
by  his,  Quary's,  friends,  and  afterwards  in  person,  that  he  could 
not  be  well  unworthier  to  any  man.  And  I  wish  Lewis  Morris 
has  not  been  an  enemy  to  us.  Proprietary  Government,  or  that 
he  has  been  as  good  a  friend  to  Governor  Hamilton  as  he 
might  have  been  once  in  a  while. 

The  scene  is  much  changed  since  the  death  of  the  king;  the 
Church  party  advances  upon  the  Whig,  and  yet  I  find  good 
friends,  sorely  against  some  people's  will.  I  have  had  the 
wisest  men  in  England,  and  of  the  greatest,  to  advise  with 
(about  a  bargain)  that  love  me,  and  all  say,  stay  awhile ;  be  not 
hasty.  Yet  some  incline  to  a  good  bargain,  and  to  let  Quary 
begone,  and  change  him  to,  another  Province,  if  we  can  do  no 
better."  Perry  and  the  Lords  of  trade  have  talked  of  our  being 
Friends.     Pray  mind   my  directions  of  my  former  letters,   and 

*  [The  villainy  of  his  trusted  agent,  Philip  Ford,  had  by  this  time 
become  apparent,  for  the  elder  Ford  had  just  died,  and  his  widow  had 
demanded  possession  of  the  Province  under  an  alleged  deed,  which 
Penn  had  executed  in  the  belief  that  he  had  signed  merely  a  mortgage. 
Editor.] 

'  [Penn  refers  to  a  sale  of  his  government  to  the  Crown. — Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  II3 

make  returns  with  all  speed,  or  I  am  undone.  Separate  East 
Jersey  money  from  the  rest. 

Things  look  but  dull  in  Italy  and  Germany.  If  the  Confed- 
eracy fail  this  summer,  I  know  not  what  to  say  to  it.  Be  close, 
wise,  and  industrious.  The  Queen  behaves  very  well,  and  has 
three  great  men  about  her^ — Lord  Godolphin,  Lord  High 
Treasurer  of  England,  and  Lord  Marlborough,  Lieutenant-Gen- 
eral  of  all  the  Queen's  forces.  I  will  send  the  prints  if  I  can. 
The  last  is  with  the  army. 

y.  Moore.  —  J.  Moore,  thou  wilt  see,  has  complained  of  this 
business  of  Righton's,  for  Col.  Quary  produced  his  letter,  and  I 
saw  his  hand,  whatever  he  promised  —  a  treacherous  and  un- 
grateful man. 

Evans  the  Pirate.  —  His  sister,  or  cousin-german,  desires  the 
overplus  of  his  estate  to  pay  his  debts.  They  hear  D.  P.'s  house 
and  land  is  worth  ^^300 ;  they  pester  me  often.  Let  me  have 
a  legal  account  per  first  opportunity ;  and  from  David  Powel 
what  lands  R.  Davis  yet  has  there. 

P.  Parmyter?  —  One  of  Quary 's  blackest  charges  against  me 
was  Parmyter  being  made  by  me  Attorney-General,  &c.  S. 
Clement  will  appear  for  him,  and  Major  Wade  and  Yeates  are 
writ  to  about  him.  I  owned  no  such  story,  but  pressed  it  upon 
Quary  to  prove  it,  that  I  had  commissioned  him. 

A.  M.  and  David  Lloyd.  —  Let  these  ungrateful  men  see  what 
I  suffer  for  them.  Quary  told  the  full  story  about  the  late  King's 
commission,  affirmed  to  have  been  under  the  Great  Seal,  whom 
I  treated  not  according  to  their  deserts.  But  they  may  meet 
with  their  match  after  a  while  that  have  so  basely  treated  me 
— unworthy  spirits ! 

French,  India?is,  &c.  —  Pray  mind  this,  with  the  rest  of  their 
charges,  and  when  all  is  well  answered  by  you  that  are  upon 

^  The  name  of  the  first  is  obliterated. — L. 

[The  ministry  was  not  constituted  at  once.  The  Marquess  of  Nor- 
manby  was  made  Lord  Privy  Seal.  Earl  of  Nottingham  and  Sir 
Charles  Hedges  Principal  Secretaries  of  State.  Lord  Godolphin  was 
subsequently  made  Lord  Treasurer.  Simon  Harcourt  Solicitor-Gen- 
eral ;  and  Edward  Northey  Attorney-General.  William  Blathwayt 
Secretary  of  War,  etc. — Editor.] 

*  [Penn  calls  him  "  cousin  Parmyter." — Editor.] 

VOL.  I.  — 9 


114  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17C2. 

the  spot,  let  some  that  come  over  be  witnesses.  You  do  not 
apprehend  the  gross  villainy  of  poor  Quary.  I  pity  him  [ob- 
literated] assert  lies,  and  so  boldly  deny  truths  as  he  has  done ; 
and  infer  from  trifles,  mighty  matters ;  and  from  particulars, 
generals. 

Clmrcliill.  —  'T  were  well  thou  made  up  some  a-ccount,  at  least 
write  to  him  how  the  matter  stands. 

Guns.  —  Write  to  Daniel  Zachary,  at  Boston,  to  inform  him- 
self of  the  prize  officer  there;  at  what  rate  J.  Moore  charged 
himself  for  the  guns  I  let  him  have  from  Col.  Markham  ;  if 
after  the  appraisement  or  sale. 

Appraisements  ajid  Sales.  —  By  all  means  find  out  the  differ- 
ence of  the  appraisements  from  the  sales,  for  therein  the  King 
has  been  grossly  abused.  I  send  thee  what  the  Commissioners 
of  the  Customs  sent  me  of  Col.  Quary's  account,  delivered  in  at 
their  board  for  a  guide ;  but  Robt.  Webb  told  me  he  had  ac- 
counted with  Col.  Quary  for  ^^"900  upon  forfeitures,  wherefore 
search  exactly  his  papers. 

Bradenham,  led  by  Basse  to  be  ungrateful,  and  has  owned  it. 
Pray  pay  him  his  money,  or  rather  deliver  it  up ;  I  have  sent 
an  order  for  it;  I  mean  that  which  was  sealed  up.  That  demure 
Hall  writ  him  the  basest  letter  of  me,  calling  me  Jus  holiness, 
and  of  the  great  persecution  the  Church  was  in  by  my  tyranny. 
First  return  the  money;  when  that  is  done,  next  put  down  his 
ordinary ;  so  base  an  hypocrite  I  abhor.  Bradenham  has  his 
bond,  being  pardoned  without  conviction  ;  my  lawyers  say  't  is 
his  due. 

y.  Moore.  —  Bradenham  owns  that  Moore  had  about  ;^I2  of 
him  for  counsel  whilst  the  King's  advocate,  and  by  Clark  it 
might  be  found  out  in  particular. 

Balls  of  Powder.  —  Some  came  when  the  chocolate  came, 
pray  send  them  safely  back.  I  intend  some  tea  by  this  oppor- 
tunity to  the  Commissioners,  Governor,  Saml.  Carpenter,  Isaac 
Norris,  Saml.  Preston,  and  thyself 

Perixvig.  —  Did  not  a  fine  new  wig  come  to  thy  hands  for  me? 
It  cost  fifty  shillings  sterling;  made  by  Watson.  S.  V.  puts  it 
to  my  account. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  II5 

Leives^  Pirates. —  Pray  fail  not  per  first  opportunity  to  make 
returns,  or  pay  into  Bewley's  hands  what  effects  are  there,  be- 
fore witnesses,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same.  I  have  done 
like  a  friend  by  him. 

Governor  Hamilton. —  The  Duke  of  Somerset,  who  is  very 
kind  to  him,  has  stood  firmly  for  his  being  Governor  of  both 
the  Jerseys;  he  had  great  opposition,  but  unhappily  the  West 
Jersians'  petition  for  the  Queen's  naming  of  him  was  wrapt 
up  in  the  surrender,  so  that  it  was  not  read,  and  Dockwray  and 
Sonomans  getting  air  of  it  by  the  next  day,  came  with  a  coun- 
ter one  and  annexed  reasons,  that  stops  the  affair,  upon  which 
I  moved  to  have  him  my  Governor,  if  refused,  else  I  to  name 
another.  But  that  which  with  me  should  be  a  reason  they 
make  an  exception,  viz.,  an  estate  in  the  Province;  so  that  he 
cannot  be  (illegible)  than  with  us,  unless  at  New  York. 

The  Attorney-General  gives  his  opinion  against  Alwd.  \ 
suppose  he  will  be  sent  for  home,  and  his  elaborate  argument 
for  reversing  the  judgment  for  Wake  will  be  reversed  here 
shortly,  and  Wake  have  his  ship. 

Iron  Works. —  Call  on  those  people  for  an  answer  to  the  heads 
I  gave  them  from  Ambrose  Crawley.  Divers  would  engage 
here  in  it  as  soon  as  they  receive  an  account,  which,  in  a  time  of 
war,  would  serve  the  country.  Things  as  to  America  will  come 
under  another  regulation  after  a  while. 

Surveyor  s  Place. —  Pray  let  there  be  no  person  put  in  but  till 
my  pleasure  be  known,  for  I  aim  at  one  not  in  America,  of  which 
be  private. 

Of  Disposing  of  Lands. —  I  hope  by  the  next  to  hear  thou  hast 
been  in  Maryland  to  get  me  returns,  and  docst  thy  possible  by 
way  of  Barbadoes,  and  tobacco,  and  peltry,  and  skins  at  home. 
Bear-skins  are  in  demand,  and  buck  also;  tobacco  bears  a 
mighty  price.  I  had  forty  odd  pounds  from  R.  P^gerton  re- 
ceived—  have  not  £z^  to  command,  but  I  must  borrow  for  the 
cause  ;  and  N.  Puckle,  Ab.  Schofield,  &c.  will  tell  you  how  I  am 
persecuted  and  oppressed  with  this    affair.     If  I  had  half  the 


[Lewes,  the  county  town  of  Sussex,  one  of  the  three  lower  counties. 
Editor.] 


Il6  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1/02. 

money  returned  the  paper  the  commissioners  sent  me  men- 
tioned, you  would  quickly  see  me  if  I  live.  In  the  meantime, 
my  son  comes  as  fast  as  may  be,  after  his  sister's  affair  is  over. 
Pray  expedite  the  sale  of  what  may  best  help  me,  and  set 
heartily  to  work  upon  that  head.  I  know  not  that  I  can  en- 
large, the  person  waiting  for  this,  by  this  opportunity;  but  send 
two  letters,  one  to  proclaim  the  Queen,  from  the  Council,  the 
other  from  the  Lords  of  trade,  &c. 

Pennsbury.  —  I  would  be  glad  to  hear  how  things  are  there, 
the  family,  fruit,  corn,  and  improvements,  and  clearing  partic- 
ularly. I  mourn  for  poor  Phineas  Pemberton,  the  ablest  as  well 
as  one  of  the  best  men  in  the  Province.  My  dear  love  to  his 
widow  and  sons  and  daughters;  my  love  to  all  friends  as  if  I 
named  them,  and  others  that  are  respectful  and  moderate. 
Keep  all  quiet.  Quary  is  going  with  this  fleet  in  the  same 
post,  but  I  fancy  his  wings  will  be  clipped  in  admiralty  matters 
every  day,  upon  the  appeals  from  the  colonies  against  admiralty 
judgments;  they  are  set  by  here  upon  hearings  before  the  Com- 
mittee of  Appeals,  whereof  Lord  Chief-Justice  Holt  and  [ob- 
literated] Trevor  are  members ;  and  I  advise  that  you  take  the 
same  course,  for  't  is  the  opinion  of  the  learned  in  the  law  that 
no  court  is  erected  by  the  Act  of  the  7  and  8,  p.  502.^  Secondly, 
That  if  the  admiralty  has  any  jurisdiction,  'tife  only  about  the 
;^lOOO  forfeiture,  for  governors  not  being  qualified,  which  is  the 
only  thing  not  disposed  of  Thirdly,  That,  by  p.  505,  even  the 
admiralty  must  try  by  a  jury ;  and  this  the  present  Attorney- 
General,  Sir  Edward  Northey,  told  us  when  before  upon  this 
act  as  to  admiralty  powers,  and  their  extent  in  the  plantations. 
I  shall  have,  I  suppose,  his  resolutions  upon  some  queries  the 
Lords  sent  him  about  governors'  qualifications  and  admiralty 
jurisdictions. 

I  bless  the  Lord  mine  were  lately  well,  my  last  son  thriving 
much,  and  Johnnie  perpetually  busy  in  building  or  play  other- 
ways,  but  when  he  eats  or  sleeps,  as  his  mother  informs  me.  I 
have  not  been  with  them  but  seventeen  days  these  five  months. 
No  more  but  my  love.     Affectionately  thy  friend, 

Wm.  Penn. 

'  So  in  the  original. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  11/ 

P.  S.  —  I  am  sorry  my  cousin  Asheton  gave  occasion,  but  I 
believe  the  Attorney-General  will  allow  it,  being  infra  corpus 
comitatus. 

Bishop  of  London.  —  The  Bishop  is  one  of  the  Lords  de  propa- 
ganda fde,  behaved  about  the  law  of  marriage  temperately,  and 
asked  Col.  Quary  why  they  did  not  comply  with  the  publica- 
tion ?  He  produced  a  dirty  paper  about  persecuting  the  Church 
of  England  in  the  person  of  Leake,  under  the  hand  of  Keeble. 
Pray  remember  poor  Charles  Jones'  family  in  that  farm. 

Characters.  —  Let  me  know  how  things  are,  and  how 

&c.  behave. 

Of  thy  Family.  —  Thou  hast  heard  of  the  death  of  thy  father 
and  marriage  of  thy  mother  with  one  not  a  Friend ;  an  exer- 
cise.    W,  Ed.,  &c.  told  me  so  at  our  Yearly  Meeting. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  gth  $mo.,  1702. 
[The  first  part  of  this  letter  is  an  account  of  mercantile  trans- 
actions, in  which  James   Logan  was  concerned  for  the  Propri- 
etor.— L. 

He  then  continues:]^  I  not  only  use  the  utmost  of  my  own 
endeavors,  but  act  with  the  best  advice  of  those  of  skill  here 
who  wish  thee  well.  As  I  have  said,  thy  affairs  in  the  lower 
counties  make  me  stand  on  an  equal  bottom  with  other  traders 
there.  They  all  keep  quiet  in  expectation  of  a  change,  preserv- 
ing the  peace  for  their  own  interest  and  credit  more  than  any 
sense  of  subjection  to  the  government. 

'Tis  much  admired  that  the  Queen,  being  for  sometime  past 
proclaimed  in  all  the  neighboring  colonies  by  orders  from  the 
crown,  there  are  none  arrived  here  yet;  'tis  imagined,  by  the 
friends  of  the  government,  that  the  orders  have  been  delivered 
to  thee,  and  some  way  omitted  to  be  despatched,  but  others 
would  render  it  a  contrary  way.  'Tis  a  great  reflection  upon  us, 
whatever  the  cause  be. 

Yesterday  a  council  was  held  upon  it,  and  ordered  she  should 


Il8  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l702. 

be  proclaimed  to-morrow,  there  being  a  necessity  of  delaying 
it  no  longer,  because  of  the  war:  orders  for  proclaiming  of 
which  thee  hast  advised  us  are  arrived  at  Boston  and  New  York. 

The  Governor  intends  forthwith  to  issue  a  proclamation  for 
raising  a  militia,  but  is  very  uneasy  in  not  hearing  of  his  ap- 
probation or  supersedeas,  for  he  would  on  no  other  account, 
he  says,  have  undertaken  the  government,  and  fears  his  en- 
deavors that  way  will  not  be  much  regarded  by  the  Church 
party,  as  they  call  themselves,  who,  though  they  like  Colonel 
Hamilton,  yet  care  the  less  for  him  as  thy  lieutenant.  He  takes 
all  possible  care  to  act  inoffensively. 

Seventh-day  last,  4th  instant,  one  Butterworth,  who  has  been 
often  here,  arrived  in  his  brigantine  or  ship  at  New  Castle,  from 
Curacoa.  He  stood  up  above  the  town  of  New  Castle,  with  his 
top-gallant  sails  standing,  and  came  ashore  in  his  boat  to  make 
report  of  his  vessel,  but  the  Collector  suspecting  her,  refused  to 
take  it,  unless  he  would  come  to,  which  at  length  he  did.  The  Col- 
lector going  on  board,  discovered  the  ship's  boat  rowing  off  to- 
ward the  Jersey  side  with  a  chest  in  it,  he  pursued  and  seized 
it,  which  he  found  mostly  filled  with  Holland  muslin,  &c. ;  re- 
turning, he  seized  the  vessel  and  went  on  shore  with  the  master, 
who  engaged  she  should  not  stir  without  leave,  but  in  the  morn- 
ing she  was  gone,  the  master's  brother  was  mate,  who  had 
directions,  they  say,  to  act  as  aforesaid.  Butterworth  next  day 
came  to  Philadelphia,  of  which  the  Collector  advised  J.  Moore 
by  an  express,  that  arrived  First-day,  in  the  evening,  between 
eight  and  nine.  Upon  receipt  of  it,  he  applied  to  me,  the  Gov- 
ernor being  at  Burlingtdn  ;  we  consulted,  but  concluded  noth- 
ing could  be  done  that  night,  there  being  no  felony  in  the 
case.  Early  the  next  morning  I  obtained  the  mayor's  warrant, 
and  sent  two  constables  to  search  for  and  apprehend  him,  upon 
the  forfeiture  of  i^ioo — 14  Chas.  11.^  —  for  breaking  bulk  before 
entry.  They  returning,  told  J.  Moor?  and  me  that  he  had 
certainly  gone  down  again  in  the  night,  which  was  confirmed 
by  others.     About   ii   before  noon  we  found,  by  an  application 

'[See  13  and  14  Chas.  II.  chapter  xi.  3  Stat,  at  Large,  216. — 
Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  II9 

to  J.  Moore  on  his  behalf,  he  was  still  in  town,  upon  which  we 
took  another  warrant,  signed  by  J.  Guest,  directed  to  the  sheriff, 
whose  first  care  was  to  go  to  the  ferry  and  leave  orders  to  se- 
cure him  there  if  he  should  attempt  to  pass  that  way,  as  it  was 
thought  he  would ;  but,  in  the  meantime,  about  two  in  the  after- 
noon, 't  is  said,  he  went  off  in  a  boat  from  the  lower  end  of  the 
town,  having  been  concealed  in  a  fit  place,  viz.,  the  Widow 
Budd's,^  from  whence  he  had  but  the  street  to  cross  and  step 
on  board  without  much  notice,  and  so  escaped.  J.  Moore 
reckons  it  a  great  fault  in  the  government,  as  perhaps  may 
make  it  the  subject  of  another  complaint,  which  makes  me  be 
so  particular  here.  His  first  complaint  is,  that  there  is  no  fort 
at  New  Castle  to  command  vessels  lying  there ;  and  next,  that 
he  was  not  apprehended,  though  I  know  nothing  that  could  be 
done  more,  J.  Moore  himself  confessing  we  could  not  open  any 
door  in  search  of  him.  Our  eagerness  after  the  master  was 
through  a  belief  that,  were  he  secured,  the  vessel  would  not 
sail  out  of  the  bay.  She  fell  at  first  no  farther  down  than 
Bombay  Hook,  where  she  lay  in  defiance,  being  of  good  force, 
with  guns,  men,  and  store  of  grenades.  The  master  also  gave 
out  that  he  would  lose  his  life  rather  than  his  vessel,  on  such 
an  account,  being  wholly  innocent.  He  took  several  solemn 
oaths  that  he  knew  nothing  of  these  goods  being  put  on  board; 
that  they  belonged  to  a  passenger,  a  late  officer  in  the  army,  as 
they  certainly  did.  That  he  took  all  possible  care  that  nothing 
prohibited  should  be  put  on  board  him,  and  examined  the  said 
passenger  very  strictly  at  his  embarking,  who  declared  that  he 
had  nothing  in  his  chest  but  wearing  apparel,  and  that  he  never 
told  him  otherwise  till  he  was  going  off  again  from  New  Castle, 
and  that  then  seeing  the  collector  coming  on  board,  he  con- 
fessed it,  which  made  him  use  those  endeavors  to  send  them 
off,  telling  the  young  fellow,  at  the  same  time,  he  had  ruined 
him  forever,  by  bringing  his  vessel  and  cargo,  which  was  a 
considerable  quantity  of  Barbadoes  goods,  carried  round  by 
Curacoa,  into  danger  of  being  forfeited  through  his  falsehood 
and  covetousness.     The  goods  in  the  chest  were  to  the  value  of 

^  [Near  Dock  Street  Landing.  — Editor.] 


I20  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

about  ;^ioo  Sterling.  This  is  the  real  truth  as  fully  as  can  be 
given,  the  management  of  which  yields  an  instance  more  of 
our  unhappiness  with  John  Moore,  &c.,  who,  when  anything  is 
to  be  done  for  the  service  of  the  Crown,  think  they  have  dis- 
charged their  part,  till  such  time  as  all  the  profits  are  to  be  divided, 
when  they  have  once  given  the  government  notice,  who,  with 
a  whistle,  are  to  run  all  hazard,  in  pursuit  of  the  game,  and  when 
found,  like  spaniels  taught  to  fetch  and  carry,  lay  it  at  their  feet 
to  wait  their  further  determination,  with  much  satisfaction,  could 
they  by  any  means  be  serviceable,  of  which  if  we  fail,  though 
by  impossibility,  complaints  are  thundered  home,  the  most,  I 
dare  affirm,  they  do  for  their  salaries ;  for,  in  cases  of  this  kind, 
they  expect  the  government  should  do  all  for  them,  though  they 
put  not  to  one  finger. 

As  soon  as  the  master  got  down,  'tis  believed  they  went  to 
sea,  bound  to  Curacoa,  there  to  sell  the  vessel  out  of  danger. 
The  Collector  of  New  Castle  is  S.  Lowman,  formerly  of  Lewes, 
whose  vacancy  is  supplied  by  one  Brook, ^  a  young  beau,  other- 
wise well  accomplished,  and  deserving  a  better  society. 

We  at  length  distrained''  on  J.  C.  for  the  tax,  in  fear  of  which  he 
had  secured  whatever  in  his  house  could  be  taken,  as  plate,  pew- 
ter, &c.,  for  two  months  before,  drinking  out  of  nothing  but  earth- 
enware. The  distress  was  his  house,  which  was  committed  to 
George  Emlyn.  I  would  have  replevied  him,  but  could  not. 
By  David  Lloyd's  assistance,  however,  he  (J.)  prevailed  so  far 
with  George  as  to  turn  him  loose,  for  which  he  is  now  prose- 
cuted. J.  gave  out  that  he  was  turned  out  by  order  of  the  gov- 
ernment, not  daring  to  keep  him,  which,  instead  of  forwarding 


*  Henry  Brook  —  he  was  son  or  grandson  to  a  baronet  of  the  same 
name,  and  had  received  an  excellent  education.  He  lived  for  some 
time  in  this  obscure  situation ;  some  of  his  letters  and  small  pieces  of 
poetry  are  among  the  papers  at  Stenton.  James  Logan  corresponded 
with  him,  and  appears  to  have  been  his  sincere  friend. — L. 

*  Brother  of  Samuel  Carpenter,  but  not  a  Friend.  He  built  the 
house  in  Chestnut  street  in  the  rear  of  the  mansion*  of  the  late  Chief- 
Justice  Tilghman,  and  for  his  family  sepulture  the  palisaded  inclosure 
formerly  in  the  middle  of  the  Potters'  field  (now  Washington  Square) 
was  made. — L. 

*  [Since  pulled  down ;  the  site  was  afterwards  occupied  by  the  Arcade,  now  by 
Jayne's  Buildings,  north  side  of  Chestnut  street,  between  Sixth  and  Seventh  streets, 
—  Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  121 

the  business,  retards  it ;  all  reports  of  that  kind,  however  false, 
being  greedily  received  by  them  that  would  have  it  so ;  but 
they  will  be  convinced  to  the  contrary.  The  unhappiness  is, 
that  people  will  not  pay  without  distress.  Friends  are  willing, 
but  not  to  bear  all  the  burden  themselves,  whilst  others  obsti- 
nately save  their  money,  and  none  can  be  prevailed  on,  without 
much  reluctancy  and  compulsion,  to  do  that  unkind  office  to 
their  neighbor.  In  Bucks,  exceedingly  degenerated  of  late,  they 
pay  none,  nor  will  any  in  the  country  levy  by  distress,  choosing 
rather  to  be  fined  for  their  omission.  William  Biles  did  once, 
but  will  no  more.  In  Chester  also  they  are  so  slack  nothing 
can  drive  them  forward. 

Thy  dispute  at  home,  the  war  without  defence  here,  with  the 
example  of  the  Jerseys  surrendering,  makes  this  government  too 
precarious  to  be  called  one.  I  hope  all  will  be  blessed  with  a 
happy  issue ;  but,  in  the  meantime,  our  circumstances  are  un- 
easy and  require  a  speedy  redress,  were  it  but  for  the  sake  of 
thy  property. 

Re-surveys  we  find  will  answer  better  than  expected,  and  must 
be  drove  forward,  though  at  thy  charge ;  for,  if  things  be  car- 
ried in  respect  to  government  otherwise  than  well,  it  will  be 
difficult  forcing  a  re-survey  after  the  two  years  are  expired,  be- 
fore which  time,  if  all  continues  well,  I  hope  there  will  not 
much  remain  to  be  done.  We  sell  but  little  land  unseparated, 
as  we  call  it,  in  the  woods,  and  of  others  are  cautious ;  for, 
though  we  sell  most  dearer  than  thou  didst,  P.  Penn's  liberty 
land  excepted,  in  which  N.  W.,  with  the  help  of  others,  has 
unworthily  abused  us,  yet  the  prices  being  so  uncertain,  we 
foresee  ourselves  incurring  as  certain  blame  as  ever  the  former 
commissioners  did,  though  I  think  more  caution  and  obstinacy 
to  all  requests,  in  most  cases,  cannot  be  used  than  I  have  en- 
deavored, as  far  as  has  lain  in  my  power.  But  Octoraroe  grant 
I  cannot  get  over.  Never  Calais,  I  believe,  came  nearer  Queen 
Mary's  heart  than  that  has  to  mine ;  though  the  cause  I  scarce 
know.  When  application  was  made,  it  appeared  to  all  of  us 
very  reasonable ;  they  first  would  give  but  £^  per  hundred, 
with  quit-rent,  thinking  it  no  better  than  Susquehanna  lands, 
and  admired  at  our  refusing  it;  we  offered  for  ;^iO,  but  they 


122  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

would  not  advance.  Griffith  Owen  and  E.  Shippen  knew  some- 
thing of  the  place,  having  been  with  thee  at  Susquclianna, 
which  I  did  not.  Upon  a  consultation  we  abated  to  jCH  per 
hundred,  but  they  refused  and  returned  home ;  some  time  after 
they  came  to  our  terms  and  desired  a  warrant,  but,  having 
solicitously  resolved  several  things  in  my  thoughts  relating  to 
it,  I  endeavored  to  stave  them  off,  but  could  not.  I  kept  them, 
however,  waiting  a  whole  week  in  town  without  it,  till  at  length, 
in  a  rage  declaring  they  would  not  be  fooled  so,  complained  to 
the  rest  of  the  commissioners  of  my  injustice.  In  drawing  the 
warrant,  I  used  all  possible  caution,  and,  much  against  their 
will,  forced  in  3000  acres  for  thy  share,  when  they  expected 
thou  would  have  but  one,  which  has  now  fallen  in  six  excellent 
lots  of  500  each,  which,  if  a  settlement  be  made  there,  will  be 
of  much  more  value  than  the  whole  was  before.  But  my  grief 
is,  that  it  proves  in  the  lower  parts,  within  five  miles  of  the 
navigable  part  of  North  East  River,  and  is  not  so  far  out  of  dis- 
pute as  to  oblige  them  to  pay  the  money;  and  rather  than  make 
a  settlement  there  with  our  industrious  people  for  Maryland,  I 
wish  the  whole  a  lake  of  water.  It  was  represented  as  half- 
way between  New  Castle  and  Conestoga,^  which  we  thought 
would  make  it  fall  much  further  from  Susquehanna,  and  ;i^8  per 
hundred  for  land  there,  with  a  settlement  to  be  made  forthwith 
and  yearly  quit-rents  we  thought  was  much  better  than  £S)  per 
hundred  with  no  rent  at  all ;  besides  that,  it  was  a  convenient 
stage  from  the  lower  parts  to  Susquehanna,  which  would  much 
encourage  a  settlement  of  that  also.  All  these  considerations 
made  us  almost  fond  of  it  at  first  proposal,  but  I  soon  fell  from 
it,  though  too  late,  and  now  cannot  think  of  it  without  trouble. 
I  believe  by  Griffith  Owen's  thinking  well  of  it,  who  was  with 
thee  and  best  knew  the  place,  thou  wilt  have  much  better  opin- 
ion than  I, considering  the  six  lots  and  thy  inclination  to  have 
settlements  on  Chesapeake  to  trade  by  the  bay ;  but  I  must  own 
I  have  an  aversion  to  the  thought  of  any  such  for  this  age  at 

^[It  is  surprising  that,  twenty  years  after  Penn's  acquisition  of  the 
province,  so  little  should  have  been  known  of  its  topograi)hy,  in  fact, 
little  more  than  the  information  furnished  by  Holmes'  Map. — Edi- 
tor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  123 

least,  being  that  it  will  highly  injure  the  mar:h  of  this  Province, 
whose  chief  dependence  must  be  Delaware,  and  therefore  could 
wish  the  design  could  be  blasted ;  but,  in  the  meantime,  would 
advise  to  procure  Talbot's  Manor,  if  possible,  it  having  been 
offered,  as  I  wrote  by  John  Sotcher,  copies  of  which  went  by 
Burman,to  sale  to  Anthony  Sharp,  by  him  or  his  friends  in  Ire- 
land. If  any  stop  may  be  contrived  to  settlement  this  year,  I 
shall  not  be  wanting ;  but  they  are  bent  on  it,  and  I  have 
thwarted  them  so  much  that  they  will  scarce  hearken  to  me 
any  more.  The  better  to  secure  themselves,  they  went  to 
Maryland  to  treat  with  Talbot's  agent  there,  who  entertained 
them  too  civilly.  Thomas  Fairman  was  long  ago  resolved  on 
it  for  the  company,  being  part  of  that  called  Talbot's  Calf 
Pasture. 

[After  an  account  of  mercantile  transactions,  he  further  says :] 
That  trade,  (to  Barbadoes,)  't  is  believed,  will  be  exceeding 
dangerous,  for,  while  our  frigates  and  privateers  steer  all  upon 
the  Spanish  coasts  for  plunder,  the  cruisers  of  Martinico,  &c. 
will  have  nothing  to  awe  them  on  our  coast  this  way,  but  may 
pick  up  all  ventures  out  without  hazard,  unless  the  Queen  will 
allow  some  good  ships  for  a  guard  to  the  plantations,  rather 
than  which,  't  is  probable  care  will  be  taken  to  convoy  the  fleets 
at  certain  seasons,  of  the  year  home,  as  now,  from  Virginia.  I 
wish  I  may  not  in  any  case  displease  by  mentioning  it,  but  I 
am  forced  to  say,  that  if  thou  wilt  tender  thy  own  interest,  as 
well  as  to  that  of  the  people  in  this  place,  some  endeavors  must 
be  used  this  war  to  have  a  more  immediate  protection  of  the 
Crown  than  heretofore  has  been,  for  the  French  having  made 
peace  with  the  Five  Nations  of  Indians  on  one  hand,  and  this 
Province  having  gained  a  great  name  these  few  years  past  abroad, 
which  will  encourage  from  sea,  we  cannot  expect  to  pass  un- 
attacked  from  some  quarter  or  other;  and  the  confusion  we 
were  in  upon  a  report  last  year  of  a  French  ship  being  in  the 
river,  is  an  unhappy  instance  of  our  condition,  the  more  so  be- 
cause of  the  divisions  of  the  people.  The  chief  thing,  in  my 
judgment,  in  these  dangerous  times  to  be  endeavored,  is  to 
make  this  river  as  dear  to  the  Crown  and  as  much  its  care  as 
any  other;  an  encouragement  to  which  may  be  an  increase  to 


124  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

our  tobacco,  with  which  we  have  loaded  and  are  loading  eight 
vessels  this  year  already,  besides  those  that  are  expected  in,  all 
direct  for  some  part  or  other  of  England.  They  are  mostly 
small,  I  confess,  about  eighty  or  ninety  hogsheads,  some  more; 
however,  the  number  makes  a  sound.  Respects  to  all  thy 
family  from  Thy  most  faithful  and  dutiful 

James  Logan. 
()th  ^th  mo.,  1702,  per  Andrew  Lock. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  29//^  ^th  mo.,  1702. 

I  have  not  much  to  advise  of,  more  than  the  last  post;  a 
packet  arrived,  with  others,  directed  to  thee  or  the  commander- 
in-chief  of  this  place,  to  proclaim  the  war,  which  accordingly 
was  done  on  Sixth-day  last,  the  24th  instant. 

Upon  the  occasion  given,  the  governor,  as  he  had  done  also 
before,  recommended  the  people  to  think  of  putting  them- 
selves in  a  posture  of  defence ;  and  since  that,  has  issued  com- 
missions for  one  company  of  militia,^  and  intends  to  proceed 
all  the  government  over.  Those  of  the  hot  Church  party  op- 
pose it  to  their  utmost,  because  they  would  have  nothing  done 
that  may  look  with  a  good  countenance  at  home.  They  have 
done  all  they  can  to  dissuade  all  from  touching  with  it ;  but  the 
captain,  who  is  one  George  Lowther,  mustered  two  days  ago,  had 
a  sufficient  company  for  the  first  appearance.  He  is  a  gentleman 
of  Nottinghamshire,  the  family  of  Yorkshire,  himself  bred  to  the 
law,  in  which  he  excels.  He  arrived  here  a  few  weeks  after  thy 
departure,  and  would  be  useful  would  he  stay,  but  it  is  not  ex- 
pected, having  retired  from  England  only  till  some  storm  blew 
over.  He  is  a  young  man,  has  only  his  wife  with  him,  having  left 
two  or  three  children  in  England  ;  has  a  good  interest  by  his  dis- 
course, in  which  he  seems  to  be  believed,  with  several  of  note, 
particularly  the  Duke  of  Newcastle  *  and  Lord  Lexington,^  to 

^  First  formation  of  a  militia  in  Pennsylvania. — L. 
■''  [John  Holies,  third  Duke,  ob.  171 1. —  Editor.] 
'  [Robert  Sutton,  second  Baron,  ob.  1723.     s.  p.  M. —  Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  12$ 

the  last  of  which  he  designs  to  write  in  favor  of  this  place.  He 
is  opposite  to  the  hot  Church  party,  and  I  hope  will  be  helpful 
to  make  an  interest  against  them. 

We  are  very  anxious  to  hear  from  thee,  and  the  governor 
much  troubled,  but  has  now  gone  to  see  Lewis  Morris,  to  en- 
quire of  him  personally  what  he  cannot  hear  by  writing. 

Thy  affairs  here  require  a  speedy  hand,  and  it  would  be  a 
great  ease  to  know  what  we  may  presume  upon  in  the  lower 
counties.  They  are  now  exceeding  stiff  and  big,  upon  some 
advice  that  an  address  of  theirs  has  been  received  at  court ; 
but  hitherto  we  are  all  in  the  dark.  If  Lord  Cornbury  have 
the  Jerseys,  they  will  be  happy  in  a  governor;  he  is  exceed- 
ingly beloved*  in  those  provinces,  and  much  esteemed  by 
Friends  here.  Edward  Shippen  and  Samuel  Carpenter,  in  the 
name  of  themselves  and  others,  sent  after  him  to  New  York  a 
pipe  of  excellent  Madeira  wine,  imported  lately  in  a  vessel  of 
our  own  directly,  and  a  tun  of  double  beer,  which  has  engaged 
him  in  all  protestations  of  service  possible  in  these  parts,  or 
wherever  he  has  an  interest.  I  am  sure  he  is  in  debt  to  us  for 
a  civil  entertainment.  He  is  now  at  Albany,  treating  with  the 
Indians,  who  came  to  him  very  slow ;  things  in  that  quarter  do 
really  appear  dark.  I  wish  we  may  be  in  no  danger  from  them. 
Harry  of  Conestoga  was  here  last  week,  and  has  now  gone  to 
the  Onondagoes,  and  has  engaged  to  bring  certain  advice  how 
they  stand  affected.  They  are  eager  in  the  West  Indies  in 
privateering;  we  have  done  some  mischief,  but  we  hear  of 
none  from  the  enemy.  General  Codrington  has  gone  down, 
we  hear,  with  a  force  to  take  St.  Christophers.  Nothing  new 
has  occurred  by  the  war  on  the  continent,  only  that  some  of 
the  Eastern  Indians  have  fallen  off,  and  done  some  mischief  to 
those  parts  of  New  England,  and  four  French  men-of-war  have 
alarmed  the  inhabitants  there 

Thou  hast  met,  I  doubt  not,  with  sufficient  exercises  there, 
and  would  therefore  unwillingly  send  complaints  from  hence, 
some  of  my  past  letters,  I  fear,  not  proving  altogether  grateful, 
yet  I  am  forced  to  say,  that  thy  affairs  here  cannot  be  pushed 

'  [It  will  be  found  hereafter  that  he  had  reason  to  change  this  favor- 
able opinion. — Editor.] 


126  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

forward  with  that  success  as  might  prevent  all  uneasiness  to 
those  concerned.  The  great  scarcity  of  money,  and  the  decay 
of  trade  this  summer,  with  that  and  the  small-pox,  has  been 
very  discouraging,  and  makes  business  very  difficult.  It  would 
be  allowed  here,  I  believe,  that  I  do  what  one  man  can,  but  thy 
presence  in  the  country  would  mend  all  much  ;  and,  provided 
business  were  set  in  a  right  channel,  to  go  on,  of  course,  with- 
out depending  on  thyself  so  immediately  as  before.  Thy  pres- 
ence would  be  an  encouragement,  thy  eye  a  satisfaction  both  to 
thyself  and  those  who  are  to  do  thy  business.  T.  Story  is  gone 
to  the  eastward,  uncertain  when  he  shall  return.  G.  Owen  to 
New  York  to  meet  Hugh  Roberts,  dangerously  ill  there,  in  his 
return  from  New  England,  but  they  say  is  recovered.  If  thou 
stay  there  any  time,  for  which  we  should  be  much  troubled, 
there  will  be  a  necessity  for  more  or  other  commissioners. 
Edward  Shippen  is  truer  to  it  than  could  be  expected.  G. 
Owen  is  very  hearty,  but  much  taken  off  by  the  sickness. 
Thomas  Story,  capable,  but  now  absent,  which  is  the  first  time. 
Inclosed  is  a  bill  from  Thomas  Masters  on  Hide  for  £}^, 
which  I  suppose  will  have  honor;  if  not  paid  in  the  time, 
please  not  to  protest  it,  for  I  have  agreed  with  him  to  recover 
no  other  damage  than  interest.  We  long  to  hear  more  of  Mr. 
William's  voyage  hither.  Letters  are  arrived  here  on  all  hands, 
dated  seven  months  after  thy  last,  which  troubles  many.  Money 
comes  in  exceeding  slow.  R.  Stockton  has  paid  but  ^180 
in  money  and  some  more  by  bills  that  pay,  nor  any  else 
proves  as  expected.  I  wish  thou  were  an  eyp-witness  of  our 
difficulties,  and  then  should  be  easier.     I  am,  in  all  fidelity, 

Thy  most  dutiful  servant,  J.  Logan. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

[£x^raU{.'\  Philadelphia,  13///  6M  mo.,  1702. 

The  tobacco,  I  hope  will  prove  good ;  I  have  taken 

all  possible  pains  with  it;  yet  there  is  some  better  and  much 
worse;  'tis  the  best  I  can  make  of  what  comes  into  my  hands, 
but  is  so  exceedingly  troublesome  that,  were  I  allowed  ten  per 


1702]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I27 

cent,  commission,  it  would  scarce  answer  the  fatigue,  the  men- 
tioning of  which  brings  me  an  opportunity  of  telling  thee  that, 
under  five  per  cent,  it  cannot  be  expected  I  can  make  any  returns 
at  all.  I  shall  scarce  get  anything  by  rents,  not  having  time  to 
collect  them  myself  Returns  are  my  care,  and  if  they  yield  me 
nothing  proportionable  to  my  trouble,  I  lose  the  bloom  of  my 
youth  in  vain,  and  in  time  to  come  shall  make  my  decayed 
strength  a  monument  of  folly,  to  instruct  those  that  come  after 
to  beware ;  in  short,  none  in  Pennsylvania  undergoes  the 
trouble  I  do.  What  I  undertake  I  am  able  to  perform,  and  it 
would  be  extreme  hard  should  I  lose  my  labor,  as  I  needs  must 
at  a  price  that  has  been  mentioned.  Hitherto  I  have  done  my 
utmost,  and  shall  proceed. 

I  shall  this  year,  if  freight  can  be  had,  ship  and  send  off  bet- 
ter than  2000  pounds,  and,  if  all  go  well,  perhaps  make  that 
sum  sterling,  &c. 

The  town  mill  does  well,  but  has  little  custom.  Schuylkill 
mill  went  ten  days  in  the  spring;  but  holding  my  hand  in  pay- 
ing J.  Marshe's  bills,  which  he  would  continue  to  draw  on  me 
for  his  maintenance,  notwithstanding  he  had  the  profits  of  the 
mill,  went  privately  away  from  her  towards  New  England,  with- 
out any  notice,  and  now  is  skulking  about  in  that  province ;  the 
mill  in  the  meantime  is  running  to  ruin,  for  nobody  will  take  to 
her,  she  is  such  a  scandalous  piece  of  work,  should  we  give  her 
for  nothing.  Pray  remember  to  send  over  a  small  pairof  cullen 
stones  for  this  of  the  town. 

We  have  sold  no  land  in  any  of  the  manors  but  Rocklands, 
and  200  acres  in  Springfield.  The  bank  (z.  e.  the  bank  lots) 
goes  off  exceeding  slowly,  as  the  tax  comes  in  through  the  great 
remissness  of  officers,  which  I  cannot  manage.  Many  are  full 
of  talking  friendship,  but  whatever  has  to  be  done  lies  wholly  on 
me,  so  which  makes  things  sometimes  heavier  than  I  can  bear. 
I  could  never  have  thought  that  some  in  thy  absence  would 
pay  all  their  professions  of  service,  they  so  liberally  made,  so 
slightly  as  with  wind  only.  I  much  want  some  further  support 
here,  some  day  I  may  fall  by,  &c. 

There  has  nothing  new  occurred.  Butterworth,  mentioned  in 
my  last,  has  brought  his  brigantine  in.     The  governor  presses 


128  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1/02. 

forward  a  militia,  but  the  Church  party,  as  they  call  themselves, 
leave  no  stone  unturned  to  oppose  it,  for  reasons  I  have  before 
expressed ;  an  approbation  is  much  wanted,  and  makes  the  gov- 
ernor very  uneasy. 

Lord  Cornbury^  is  not  returned,  as  we  hear  of,  from  Albany. 
The  Indians,  't  is  said,  give  him  trouble,  and  come  in  but  slowly, 
to  which  his  long  stay  is  imputed.        ..... 

Old  Peter  died  last  week  at  Pennsbury ;  they  are  weak  in 
hands  there.  Hugh,  an  excellent  servant,  but  going  to  be  mar- 
ried ;  he  has  been  sickly.  Mary  is  well.  If  I  thought  J.  S. 
would  bring  no  servants  I  would  venture  to  buy  one.^  W.  Grott 
is  gone,  and  Barras  is  good  for  nothing.  Friends  are  generally 
in  health,  but  Hugh  Roberts  going  off.  I  am,  with  due  respect 
to  all  thy  family,  Thy  most  faithful,  &c.,  J.  Logan. 


James  Logan  to  Letitia  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  14//?  6///  mo.,  1702. 
Dear  Mistress:  —  I  lately  wrote  by  a  vessel  that  perhaps 
may  come  in  company  with  this,  and  therefore  render  it  need- 
less ;  but  having  since  that  disposed  of  some  more  of  the  lot, 
I  think  myself  obliged  to  inform  thee  of  it  before  thy  depar- 
ture. I  had  sold  four  of  the  front  small  lots,  but  had  received 
money  only  for  one,  viz.,  ;^I50,  for  which  I  gave  thee  a  bill  at 
thy  departure  for  ;{^ioo  sterling,  drawn  by  Richard  (illegible) 
on  Jonathan  Searth  of  London,  paid,  I  hope,  long  before  this 
time.  The  other  three  lots  came  to  ^300,  which  I  have  received; 

^  [Cornbury  visited  Albany  to  examine  the  decayed  stockade  fort  at 
that  place.  Complaining  of  Col.  Romer's  neglect  in  not  replacing  it  by 
a  stone  fort,  and  apprised  by  the  Indians  that  the  French  were  making 
great  preparations  at  Montreal,  "which  could  be  designed  against  no 
place  but  Albany  and  Schenectady,"  Cornbury  began  "  Fort  Anne," 
the  foundation-stone  of  which  he  laid  August  15th,  1702. —  Cornbury 
to  Lords  of  Trade,  IV.  Documents  relating,  cScc,  968-970.  — Editor.] 

"  [This  refers  to  the  purchase  of  a  definite  term  of  service. — 
Editor.] 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I29 

200  of  it  is  in  Saml.  Carpenter's  at  interest,  the  other  is  in  mine, 
not  having  an  opportunity  of  putting  it  out,  being  as  yet  mixed 
in  thy  father's  business,  from  which  I  cannot  extricate  it ;  for, 
though  I  mention  money,  I  receive  no  such  thing  but  by  dis- 
counts and  transfers,  and  when  brought  into  a  fit  man's  hands, 
I  there  fix  it  on  interest,  where  't  is  better  it  should  lie  than  be 
sent  home,  because  here  it  yields  above  one-third  more.  I  re- 
ceived none  by  agreement  before  25th  ist  mo.  last,  since  which 
time  thou  ought  to  have  interest,  but  then,  for  the  most  time 
past,  thy  father  must  pay  it.  I  have  since  sold  60  foot  of  the 
bank,  clear  of  the  reversion,  with  a  small  High  Street  lot,  to 
Thos.  Masters  for  ;^230,  to  be  paid  by  way  of  merchandize, 
and  therefore  cannot  be  brought  to  bear  interest  these  six  mos. 
yet,  but  it  shall  as  soon  as  possible.  I  have  sold  the  corner  lot 
next  the  Meeting-House  for  i^ii5,  and  three  High  Street  lots, 
Second  Street,  for  ;^50  each,  and  the  third  for  £60,  and  believe 
I  shall  sell  the  remaining  four  in  the  Third  Street  very  speedily, 
but  these  are  not  for  money ;  they  are  to  be  built  on  and  mort- 
gaged for  two  years,  which  I  take  to  be  rather  better,  for,  upon 
failure  of  payment,  the  improvements  become  thine,  and  the 
interest  is  secure.  I  have  sold  in  all  to  the  value  of  £^g^,  and 
shall  continue  as  occasion  offers,  but  't  is  impossible  to  bring  it 
to  interest  forthwith,  as  I  always  have  labored  so  I  still  shall, 
for  thy  advantage.  I  have  agreed  for  to  the  value  of  ;^ioo,  or 
thereabouts,  of  the  new  tract  near  Newcastle,  where  thou  hast 
15,000  acres.  I  sell  none  there  now  under  ;^20  per  hundred. 
I  hope  in  one  year  to  be  able  to  raise  thee  a  good  portion  from 
which  is  already  settled  on  thee  in  this  Province,  good  part  of 
which  thou  knew  nothing  of  Should  thou  have  dependence 
on  nothing  else,  I  wish  it  may  not  be  too  easy  disposed  of,  and 
upon  no  other  terms  than  that  of  merit ;  't  would  be  a  scandal 
that  any  of  thy  father's  exigencies  should  be  an  occasion  to 
sacrifice  thee  to  any  but  where  true  love  (illegible)  as  merit.  If 
we  continue  quiet  and  I  have  encouragement  to  remain  in  thy 
father's  business,  which  I  much  doubt  of,  and  am  sure  shall 
have  much  less  reason  to  value  than  himself,  I  hope,  with  good 
management,  to  see  him  cleared  of  all  incumbrances  without 
being  obliged  there. 

VOL.  1.  —  10 


130  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1/02. 

We  exceedingly  long,  dear  mistress,  to  hear  of  you,  and 
especially  to  be  put  out  of  doubt  about  thy  marriage,  which  is 
commonly  reported  here,  if  so.  I  wish  thee  happiness,  and  shall 
say  no  more.  Jos.  Shippen  is  married  at  Boston ;  we  expect 
him  here  in  ten  days.     Since  thy  departure,  I  cannot   inform 

thee  of  one  wedding J.  S.  has  taken  a  journey  to  New 

England,  having  once  more  received  a  denial.  As  for  my  own 
part,  I  must  vow  celibacy.  But  perhaps  thou  art  married,  and 
then  all  this  is  flat  and  dull,  shall  therefore  leave  it  and  con- 
clude.    Thy  most  faithful  and  affectionate  friend  and  servant, 

J.  L. 


William  Penn  Jr.  to  James  Logan. 

WORMINGHURST,  Auglist  the  \2>th,   1702. 

Dear  Friend:  —  I  must  own  you  have  a  great  deal  of  reason 
to  complain  of  my  not  writing  of  late,  nor  can  I  make  business 
my  excuse,  but  this  much  I  can  sincerely  assure  you,  that  the 
great  love  and  friendship  I  bear  you  is  not  lessened  since  we 
parted,  and  I  am  most  infinitely  obliged  to  you  for  letting  me 
know  the  base  and  scandalous  reports  some  people  have  given 
of  me  with  you,  that  I  might  have  an  opportunity  of  vindicat- 
ing myself,  both  to  you  and  all  my  friends  with  you,  wherefore 
J  hope  you  will  be  assured  I  am  far  different  from  what  I  am 
represented  to  be ;  I  love  my  friends,  keep  company  that  is  not 
inferior  to  myself,  and  never  am  anything  to  excess.  My  dress 
is  all  they  can  complain  of,  and  that  but  decently  genteel,  with- 
out extravagancy ;  and  as  for  the  poking-iron,  I  never  had 
courage  enough  to  wear  one  by  my  side.  You  will  oblige  me 
if  you  give  this  character  of  me  till  I  make  my  personal  ap- 
pearance among  you,  (which  shall  not  be  long,  God  willing,) 
and  I  will  show  you  I  have  been  villainously  treated.  I  was 
much  surprised  at  what  you  wrote  to  me  about  my  sister's  en- 
gagement to  W.  Masters,  but  we  find  little  in  it,  for  she  has 
been  at  the  meetings,  and  he  was  here,  but  could  prove  no  en- 
gagement, for  it  passed  the  meetings,  and  she  is  to  be  married 
the  day  after  to-morrow.  This  comes  by  Jdhn  Sotcher,  who 
has  had  but  few  hours'  warning,  or  I  had  been  longer.     My 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I3T 

wife  and  sister  are  well,  and  desire  to  be  kindly  remembered  tc 
thee,  as  I  am  Thy  most  affectionate  friend, 

Wm.  Penn,  Jr. 
My  children  are,  I  thank  God,  both  well,  and  remember  to 
thee.  The  boy  is  a  jolly  fellow,  able  to  make  two  of  his  uncle 
already.  I  am  sorry  you  are  like  to  be  unsuccessful  in  your 
amours.  I  assure  you  you  have  my  good  wishes,  and  should 
have  my  assistance  were  I  there.  Pray  give  her  and  her 
brothers  my  respects,  and  tell  Joe  I  hope  he  will  be  your  friend, 
for  the  friendships'  sake  he  promised  me  when  here,  as  well  as 
for  your  own.     I  will  write  to  him  by  the  next  ship  that  sails. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

WORMINGHURST,    \^th  6th  7110.,    I702. 

James  Logan:  —  There  is  a  gentlewoman  coming  over  in  the 
Canterbury,  as  I  suppose  that,  upon  the  credit  of  my  cousin 
Rooth,  thou  art  to  supply  as  far  as  £60  (or  70)  of  your  money, 
as  my  next  on  this  subject  shall  advise  (yearly).  She  has  been 
unhappy,  and  changes  the  air  for  retirement,  her  husband  living, 
but  an  ill  choice,  and  that  her  misfortune,  of  which  be  discreet, 
any  civility  thou  showest  her  will  be  acknowledged.  She  is 
recommended  to  my  cousin  Asheton  to  be  boarded.  If  he  takes 
in  none,  advise  together  for  a  sober  and  reasonable  family.  I 
never  saw  her,  but  have  her  character  from  him  as  a  person 
seeking  solitude.  I  add  no  more  but  my  good  Wishes,  and  that 
if  what  my  cousin  Markham  wrote  to  my  sister  and  self,  about 
which  he  will  tell  thee,  be  practicable,  I  would  oblige  him  at 
last,  though  he  might  have  given  less  reason  to  our  malicious 
and  spiteful  enemies.  I  am  thy  loving  friend, 

Wm.  Penn. 


The  next  letter '  contains  an  account  of  mercantile  transactions. 
and  many  complaints  of  the  difficulties  under  which  they  labored. 
The  only  articles  which  I  shall  transcribe,  are  as  follows:  —  L. 

•  [No  date  given,  but  probably  of  6th  mo.,  1702. — Editor.] 


132  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

About  three  weeks  ago  Edmund  Du  Casteel,  coming  from 
Jamaica,  fell  in  with  the  French  fleet,  lat.  35,  commanded  by 
Chateau  Regnaud,  convoying  the  Plate  fleet  home ;  there  were 
36  men-of-war,  the  whole  fleet  56  in  number.  Edmund  was  on 
board  the  Admiral,  and  had  a  pass  from  him,  assuring  him  there 
was  no  war.  Whether  the  admiral  knew  better  or  not  is  un- 
certain; Edmund  did  not  then.  Benbow  is  still  in  Jamaica;  they 
say  he  has  despatched  expresses  home,  which  't  is  thought  is 
about  them,  but  it  was  not  publicly  known  in  the  West  Indies 
that  any  fleet  so  large  were  in  those  parts. 

Thou  wilt  hear,  before  this  comes  to  hand,  I  suppose,  that 
Gen.  Codrington  has  taken  St.  Christophers  from  the  French, 
and  all  hands  are  busy  at  that  detestable  work,  privateering,  in 
those  parts.     We  have  no  news  from  Europe  for  some  months. 

We  are  exceeding  desirous  to  hear  of  thy  resolution  in  regard 
to  this  place.  Thy  presence  would  be  a  great  comfort  to  many, 
and  a  right  method  a  great  furtherance  to  business,  and  ease,  I 
hope,  to  me.  I  struggle  through  better  than  I  expected,  but 
for  want  of  support,  it  is  sometimes  too  hard.  I  have  often 
been  plain,  but  it  may  well  be  allowed,  for  I  am  sure  I  have  reason 
on  my  side.  I  hope  Mr.  William's  resolutions  hold  to  visit  us. 
Friends  generally  are  in  health,  but  Hugh '  Roberts  goes  off. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  bth  ']th  mo.,  1702. 
I  have  thine  of  the  i8th  7th,  with  the  duplicates.  I  heartily 
wish  that  of  Charles  Read,  Keeble,  &c.,  had  come  as  ample  as 
thy  former  packets  per  J.  Sotcher  seemed  to  promise  me.  He 
is  now  at  Plymouth,  from  whom  I  yesterday  heard,  and  send 
this  thither  for  conveyance. 


'  Isaac  Norris  to  Jonathan  Dickinson,  dated  nth  6th-mo.,  1702  : 
"Dear  Hugh  Roberts  is,  we  think,  very  near  his  end.  I  was  to  see  him 
on  First-day,  and  then  took  a  solemh  and  tender  farewell,  his  soul  being 
resigned,  earnestly  desiring  and  expecting  his  change ;  as  in  his  life  he 
was  a  preacher  of  love,  so  now  in  his  latest  moments  does  he  continue 
to  be  so." — L. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I33 

Hopezi'cU. — This  vessel  is,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  come 
safe  to  the  Frith  in  Scotland,  and  there  waits  for  a  convoy,  with 
divers  other  ships,  and  one  is  gone  for  them. 

Tobacco. —  I  am  sorry  for  the  difficulty  thou  findest  in  gather- 
ing in  the  lower  (counties)  rents  in  merchantable  tobacco.^  Take 
any  thing  else  that  will  make  a  surer  market,  though  three  or 
four  months  more  be  required  for  it. 

Cafitico. —  I  shall  be  glad  if  this  dull  sailer  get  as  safely  as 
the  Hopewell.  I  am  tender  as  to  insurance,  and  did  nothing  in 
it  for  the  Hopewell.  Also,  if  the  Rebecca  comes  well,  I  shall 
esteem  it  an  engaging  Providence. 

Gov.  Haniiltoji. —  The  Queen  is  at  the  Bath,  and  things  move 
slowly,  but  daily  hope  for  Gov.  Hamilton's  approbation.  In 
short,  your  neighbor's  friends  endeavor  to  extend  his  govern- 
ment as  far  as  they  can,  and  to  have  a  word  from  him  (Lord 
Cornbury,^  I  mean)  in  his  favor  may  serve  him. 

Lord  Conibury.  —  I  am  glad,  since  he  came,  you  were  able 
to  treat  him  to  content,  and  acknowledged  it  to  Edward  Shippen 
and  the  rest  concerned,  in  proportion  to  their  service.'  With  a 
just  resentment,  I  heard  by  D.  Camp,  to  whom  my  love,  he 
should  say,  these  people  will  kill  me  with  kindness.  If  his 
luxury  and  poverty,  which  is  to  extremity,  and  his  father's  at 
this  hour,  don't  bias  me ;  he  has  sense  and  address.  But  thy 
packet  covering  his  put  me  to  twenty  odd  shillings  charge  post- 
age, whereas,  directed  to  the  Secretary's  Office  for  the  Queen's 
service  had  saved  it,  so  thou  mayst  direct,  upon  occasion  "  To 
John  Ellis,  Esq.,  at  Sir  Charles  Hedges'  Office  at  Whitehall,"  and 
within  for  me,  will  be  a  safe  way. 

*  The  tobacco  trade  is  always  spoken  of  by  James  Logan  as  being 
precarious  and  troublesome  in  the  extreme,  he  says  :  "  The  commo- 
dity in  general,  as  ordered  among  us,  is  certainly  the  greatest  cheat 
as  well  as  slavery  in  trade. — L. 

^  [Edward  Hyde,  Viscount  Cornbury,  who  is  so  frequently  men- 
tioned in  this  correspondence,  was  the  grandson  of  the  famous  Earl  of 
Clarendon,  and  succeeded  to  the  earldom  in  1709.  He  married 
Katharine,  daughter  of  Lord  O' Brian,  son  of  the  Earl  Richmond,  of 
Ireland,  who  died  in  1706.  She  was  buried  in  Trinity  Church,  New 
York.     Lord  Cornbury  died  in  1723  without  male  issue. — Editor.] 

'  A  postscript  to  a  short  letter  of  Wm.  Penn's  says  :  "  Lord  Corn- 
bury's  letter  to  his  father  never  mentioned  you." — L. 


134  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

My  Son. —  I  had  sent  my  son  with  J.  Sotcher,  had  he  staid  as 
long  at  Portsmouth  as,  unknown  to  me,  he  has  done  at  Plymouth ; 
and,  since  the  convoy  is  yet  unready,  perhaps  that  may  be  done 
yet,  and  the  approbation  go  too,  unless  the  Queen's  distance 
should  prolong  it. 

Proclaiming  her. —  By  N.  Puckle,  the  first  that  sailed  thither, 
after  the  change,  but,  after  leave  to  go,  I  fear  hung  too  long  by 
the  way  here. 

'Stockton. —  Since  my  title  pinched  him,  and  that  put  him 
upon  the  purchase,  I  think  he  should  pinch  to  get  money,  and 
send  me  it  without  any  more  ado.  I  am  sorry  I  took  not  the 
half  of  the  subscriptions  with  me  in  pieces  of  eight,  though  I 
had  lost  £yo  per  cent.,  so  greatly  am  I  straitened,  and  I  perceive 
like  to  be,  by  the  method  observed  jy  S.  Carpenter;  another 
course  must  be  taken,  or  I  must  look  to  myself  as  fast  as  I  can. 

Tishe.  —  My  daughter  is    married    next    Fifth-day  ^ 

inst.  will  be  three  weeks.  We  have  brought  her  home,  where  I 
write,  a  noble  house  for  the  city,  and  other  things,  I  hope,  well. 
But  S.  Penington's,  if  not  S.  Harwood's,  striving  for  William  Mas- 
ters against  faith,  truth,  righteousness,  will  not  be  easily  forgot- 
ten, though  things  came  honorably  off  to  his  and  the  old  envy's 
confusion,  his  father's  friends  nobly  testifying  against  the  ac- 
tions of  both.  I  bless  the  Lord  this  leaves  us  well,  but  I  would 
not  have  thee  divulge  my  writing  now,  because  I  cannot  write 
to  any  else,  but  mind  it  for  thy  private  observation  and  adver- 
tisement. But  per  the  next  post  intend  more  letters,  for  John's 
letters  came  but  yesterday,  to  hand.  I  leave  matters  with  thee, 
and  hope  the  utmost  diligence  as  well  as  truth  from  thee,  and 
am  Thy  assured  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadej PHIA,  i\th  ith-mo.,  1702. 
The,  ship  staying  at  York  for  the  convoy  gives  this  further 
opportunity  of  writing,  which  I  wish  I  could  make  use  of  as  I 

'  [Illegible,  but  should  be  loth  of  Sept.,  1702.  Letitia  Penn  was 
married  to  Wm.  Aubrey,  Thursday,  (Fifth-day,)  August  20,  1702,  O. 
S. — Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I35 

would,  but,  almost  ever  since  my  last,  I  have  been  severely 
visited  with  a  fever,  which  makes  me  incapable  in  all  respects 
of  writing  as  I  should. 

At  York  they  are  visited  with  a  mortal  distemper,  much  the 
same  with  what  was  here  three  years  ago,  which  sweeps  off 
great  numbers ;  't  is  such  a  visitation  as  that  place,  they  say, 
never  knew  before,  carrying  off  eight,  ten,  or  twelve  in  a  day. 
They  are  unhealthy  likewise  at  Boston  this  post  informs  us. 

A  fever  alone,  and  a  fever  and  ague  rages  amongst  us  here 
very  violently ;  the  fever  is  not  at  all  mortal,  but  is  exceeding 
afflicting,  a  few  fits  leaving  the  patient  so  weak  and  languishing 
that  it  requires  a  great  length  of  time  to  restore  strength.  I 
have  had  one  these  three  months,  as  most  severe  as  any  in  the 
country ;  one  fit  held  me  almost  speechless  and  besides  my 
senses  twelve  hours  on  a  stretch,  but  I  bless  God  I  am  recover- 
ing, and  have  now  got  strength  enough  to  write  this  in  an  in- 
terval ;  it  lies  much  in  my  head  and  makes  me  incapable  of  all 
business,  but,  with  God's  blessing,  hope  in  a  few  weeks  to  re- 
cover my  strength  again.  I  hope  all  thy  family  enjoy  a  better 
state  of  health  there ;  we  much  long  to  hear  from  Europe,  and 
of  thy  affairs  particularly.  Our  Mayor  just  now  here,  and  gives 
thee  his  dear  love ;  five  or  six  of  his  family  are  or  have  been 
down,  but  are  recovering.  The  small-pox  is  over  in  town,  and 
is  there  drawing  well-nigh  over;  it  has  been  favorable.  I  shall 
not  now  add,  but  that,  &c.,  &c. 

Thomas  Story  is  returned  from  his  northern  tour. 


Some  light  will  be  thrown  on  this  article  by  the  following  extract : 
"  This  coming  by  R.  Janney,  in  company  with  William  Masters,  gives 
me  occasion  to  turn  my  pen  to  a  subject  which,  as  duty  on  one  hand 
obliges  me  to  hint,  so  prudence-with  the  other  to  touch  with  the  utmost 
tenderness.  If,  upon  the  news  brought  by  several  letters  on  board 
Guy,  that  in  all  probability  my  young  mistress  by  this  time  has  changed 
her  name,  though  I  willingly  would,  I  cannot  forbear  informing  thee 
of  what  has  been  since  but  too  liberally  discovered  of  her,  and  among 
the  rest,  by  some  that  signed  the  certificate,*  viz.,  that  she  \^as  under 

*  In  the  Society  of  Friends,  when  a  certificate  of  removal  is  given  to  single  per- 
sons, it  is  mentioned  whether  they  are,  or  not,  free  from  marriage  engagements. — L. 

[In  another  hand  we  find  the  following  memorandum :  "  It  was  so  formerly,  but 
not  now,  in  1850." — Editor.] 


136  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

an  engagement  of  marriage,  before  she  left  this  place,  to  William  Mas- 
ters ;  the  said  signers  having,  upon  some  unhappy  information  given 
them,  lately  expressed  so  great  a  dissatisfaction  at  what  they  had  done, 
that  it  had  been  proposed  to  send  over  and  contradict  or  retract  it.  I 
am  really  a  stranger  to  what  passed  on  this  occasion,  but  what  I  could 
fear  I  tried  to  prevent ;  but,  from  the  discourses  of  those  who  had  bet- 
ter opportunities  of  knowing,  I  have  too  much  reason  to  believe  she 
was  actually  under  some  engagement  to  William,  from  which,  with 
great  reflection  and  some  dishonor,  she  cannot  recede  without  he  re- 
sign. My  reason  for  mentioning  this  is,  that  if  she  is  engaged  to  Wil- 
liam Aubrey,  but  all  not  confirmed,  such  caution  may  be  used  with 
William  Masters  as  to  get  a  clearance  from  him  the  best  way  it  may  be 
obtained ;  or,  if  all  be  over,  lest  W.  Masters,  on  the  disappointment, 
which  he  will  bitterly  resent,  should  be  guilty.of  any  expressions  which 
may  tend  to  her  disquiet,  that  prudent  measures  should  be  used  to 
soften  him,  and  stop  his  mouth  from  injuring  her,  either  in  respect  to 
her  husband  or  the  world.  I  am  much  troubled  that  there  should  be 
occasion  for  this  from  me,  and  that  it  must  expose  me  to  unkind  re- 
flections, at  least,  if  communicated,  &c. 

"  There  is  not  one  syllable  here  designed  on  his  (W.  M.'s)  account ; 
for,  in  affairs  relating  to  that  sex,  I  am  noways  his  debtor,  though  I 
wish  him  well,  which  he  will  scarcely  believe,  and  therefore  has  been 
unkind  to  me.  I  mention  this  only  to  shew  that  nothing  prevails  with 
me  but  the  desire  of  her  honor  and  welfare ;  whoever  could  make  her 
happiest  would  be  most  congratulated  by  me  on  his  success,  &c. 

"  Wm.  Penn,  Jr.,  in  a  letter  of  this  period  says:  'My  sister  Letitia 
has,  I  believe,  a  very  good  sort  of  man,  that  makes  a  good  husband. 
William  Masters,  whatever  grounds  he  had  for  it  in  Pennsylvania,  made 
a  mighty  noise  here,  but  it  lasted  not  long.'  " 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  zT^d 'jmo.,  1702. 
Thine,  per  Rebecca  as  well  as  Hopewell,  are  come ;  that  per 
ye  first  just  now ;  yet  I  cannot  answer,  being  ready  to  take  coach 
for  the  Bath  :  my  only  business  there  being  to  solicit  the  Queen, 
and  urge  the  Dukes  of  Somerset  and  Queensbury,  about  con- 
firming Governor  Hamilton  with  us,  for  the  Lords  of  Trade 
have  condemned  him  upon^  my  memorial  unfit,  because  of 
Randals  swearing  him  guilty  of  forbidden  trade  upon  a  Scotch 
ship,  or'master  at  Burlington  he  indulged.  I  pray  for  but  one 
year's  time,  till  he  can  have  time  to  vindicate  himself  and  coun- 

'  That  is,  notwithstanding  my  memorial.  — L. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I37 

try.  I  must  be  gone,  and  least  J.  Sotcher  should.  The  Rebecca 
is  come  with  the  fleet  from  Virginia,  and  the  Hopewell  with  the 
colliers  without  insurance ;  but  logwood  is  cheap,  and  I  fear  the 
profit  will  not  be  much  if  it  is  money.  S.  V.  will  be  more  par- 
ticular. We  are  through  mercy  well,  and  salute  thee  and  all  our 
friends  as  if  named.  Thy  real  friend, 

Wm.  Penn. 
Lord  Cornbury's  letter  to  his  father  never  mentioned  you. 
{Per  Win.  Biles,  in  the  Experiment) 


James  Log.\n  to  William  Penn. 

\_Exiracts.'\  Philadelphia,  2d%th-mo.,  1702. 

The  writer,  Mrs.  Logan  observes,  complains  of  being  still 
almost  incapable  of  business,  from  several  relapses  and  returns 
of  his  disorder,  which  greatly  affected  his  head.  The  Industry, 
the  ship  by  which  his  former  letter  was  sent,  sailed  round  to 
New  York  on  the  17th  6th-mo.,  and  was  still  there  waiting  for  the 
convoy  of  a  man-of-war.  The  occasion  of  their  stay  was  "  Lord 
Cornbury  still  keeping  at  Albany :  and  for  fear  of  the  sickness 
which  is  still  furious  there."  The  writer  then  says :  I  hope  the 
distempers  among  us,  as  small-pox,  have  been  the  cause  of  the 
great  damp  in  trade  this  year,  and  though  at  this  time  't  is 
extreme  dull,  that  it  may  recover 

We  have  scarce  any  trade  to  the  West  Indies;  our  goods  that 

we  bought  here  for  20,  sell  there  for  15 Wheat  bears  no 

price ;  the  bolters  universally  refuse  to  buy. 

I  am  sorry  letters  cannot  be  more  pleasant ;  it  is  with  regret 
I  write,  and  am  sure  take  no  pleasure  in  melancholy  stories,  but 
I  must  act  the  part  of  a  true  historian,  whose  subject,  if  displeas- 
ing, the  fault  is  in  that,  and  not  in  him  ;  and,  therefore,  believing 
myself  obliged  to  give  impartial  relations  of  what  passes  after 
the  preceding  must  give  the  following : 

Our  corporation  of  Philadelphia  have  of  late  so  highly 
exerted  their  powers,  especially  in  claiming  a  right  to  all  the 
aldermen  to  act  as  justices  in  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  for 
both  city  and  county,  which  some  considerable  lawyers,  as  well 


138  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

as  the  Governor  and  others,  think  they  have  no  right  to :  and 
that  it  has  bred  confusion  between  them  and  the  justices  by 
commission.  Guest  and  Captain  Finney,  the  chief,  opposed  it 
highly  ;  the  latter  refusing  to  sit  any  more,  and  the  former 
uneasy  to  the  utmost.  Whether  he  will  sit  or  not,  I  know  not ; 
his  love  to  a  place  perhaps  may  prevail.  The  courts  have  been 
strangely  adjourned  upon  it,  but  at  length  the  Mayor  and  alder- 
men carried  it,  I  may  say  by  force :  declaring  thou  hadst  given 
a  charter  that  was  their  expectation  of  it,  and  none  whatever 
should  hinder  them ;  and  proceeding  accordingly,  they  have 
held  their  Mayor's  Court,  in  which  they  use  the  same  methods, 
and  claim  the  whole  fines  for  all  offences  within  their  cognizance, 
among  which  those  of  the  public-houses,  for  selling  without 
licenses,  and  which  is  the  only  one  I  have  been  able  to  get  a 
farthing  by,  touches  me  tha  nearest.  The  rest  I  tliink  they  have 
mostly  a  right  to ;  of  these  I  have  got  as  many  imposed  as  the 
juries  would  let  me,  and  got  them  also  levied  this  summer,  but 
if  they  can  have  their  way,  I  have  been  taking  pains  for  others. 
This  I  doubt  will  cost  us  a  dispute  with  them,  which  I  shall 
enter  on,  rather  than  lose  them,  though  it  will  be  one  means 
more  to  expose  me  to  ill-will. 

A  fortnight  ago  a  council  being  held,  the  election  of  repre- 
sentatives for  assembly  granted  to  be  yearly,  ist  of  8mo.,  to  sit 
the  14th,  by  the  Charter  of  Privileges,  was  discoursed  of,  which 
not  being  by  writ,  and  therefore  not  the  Governor's  act,  he  was 
of  opinion  with  but  few  others,  among  whom  myself,  being 
admitted  freedom  of  speech  in  council ;  for  that  day,  with  some 
ado,  I  got  down  stairs  and  was  present;  that  by  all  means  an 
assembly  at  this  juncture  —  the  Governor  not  being  approved  — 
was  to  be  avoided  ;  especially,  beside  the  aforesaid  reason  which 
would  occasion  disputes  when  it  came  to  legislation  :  because 
in  all  probability  it  would  be  a  means  of  disuniting  the  lower 
counties  from  this  Province,  which  was  reckoned  unfit  now  — 
and  that  all  our  study  should  be  only  to  preserve  peace  and  good 
order,  and  prevent  occasions  of  complaint,  as  much  as  ought  to 
be,  which  attempting  matters  of  that  moment  might  suggest;  and 
it  was  thought  that  as  the  lower  counties,  who  have  absolutely 
denied  the  charter,  would  not  take   any  notice  of  it,  so  the 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I39 

province  might  slip  it  over,  not  remembering  it :  but  some  being 
of  opinion  this  would  forfeit  their  privileges,  and  others  who 
had  got  by  the  end,  thinking  this  the  only  time  to  disunite  and 
serve  themselves  with  laws  for  their  pui-pose,  took  care  to  pub- 
lish it,  so  that  yesterday  being  the  day  election  was  made, 
Friends  chiefly  appearing. 

The  members  of  this  county  are,  David  Lloyd  in  the  first  place, 
then  Anthony  Morris,  T.  Richardson,  and  Griffith  Jones,  the 
stiffest  men  they  could  choose.     The  paper  was  presented  to  the 

sheriff  by  that  worthless  man I  forgot  to  mention,  when 

speaking  of  the  charter,  that  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  most  indif- 
ferent men  of  sense,  that  the  whole  management  of  the  corpo- 
ration, especially  their  contending  with  the  country  justices  — 
those  being  so  called  who  are  such  by  thy  commission  —  is  an 
intrigue  of  David  Lloyd's  and  John  Moore's,  who  are  now  most 
strictly  united  to  confuse  all  our  courts  and  their  proceedings ; 
that  a  stop  being  put  to  the  administration  of  justice,  such  com- 
plaints may  be  now  sent  home,  as  were  upon  the  convulsions 
of  this  Government  when  the  King  took  it  into  his  hands  before ; 
but  what  Friends'  intention  in  choosing  the  first  member  could 
be,  is  yet  a  mystery.  He  is  now  made  J.  Moore's  deputy  judge 
of  the  Admiralty,  advocate  at  the  said  court,  and  is  now  at  New 
Castle  upon  a  trial  in  it,  notwithstanding  his  opposition  to  it 
before  thy  arrival  occasioned  thee  so  much  trouble.  He  and 
Moore  are  the  city  advocates,  and  daily  blow  them  up  to  such 
mettle,  I  really  know  not  what  to  make  of  the  face  of  things 
among  us.  This  town's  charter,  which  should  bind  the  people 
to  thee,  sets  them  so  much  for  themselves,  that  there  is  too  little 
regard  paid  thee,  and  scarce  any  to  thy  interest.  For  my  own 
part,  I  have  endeavored  to  deal  as  equally  to  the  people  as  pos- 
sible can  consist  with  thy  interest ;  yet,  having  so  few,  I  may 
with  much  justice  say, to  stand  by  me  firmly,  especially  in  con- 
sultation for  thy  interest,  that  I  am  left  exposed,  rendered  severe 
and  cruel  by  exacting  of  prices,  which  yet  I  know  are  still  too 
moderate  and  low ;  were  it  in  my  power  to  do  better,  though  in 
the  general  thou  hast  no  reason  to  complain,  if  the  examination 
be  not  left  till  seven  or  ten  years  hence,  when  the  prices  may 
be  doubled ;  this  I  know  I  am  universally  found  fault  with  by 


140  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [17O2. 

the  common  vague  of  the  country,  though  reasonable  men  think 
more  favorably,  and  balance  it  with  that  of  my  discharging  but 
my  duty  in  it.  I  speak  not  a  syllable  of  this,  I  can  boldly 
declare,  to  gain  favor;  but  as  the  matter  offers,  which,  if  not 
believed,  will  be  a  real  injustice,  for  I  can  safely  say,  there  is  gen- 
erally so  great  a  disregard  of  thy  affairs  among  the  people,  that 
to  carry  them  on  vigorously  is  to  sail  against  wind  and  tide. 
They  are  very  considerable  in  this  province,  as  I  have  showed 
before ;  and  if  things  go  well  in  Europe  and  the  West  Indies 
give  encouragement  to  trade,  may  extricate  me  of  all  my  trouble 
from  creditors,  though  that  calculation  was  too  large,  for  buyers 
are  very  dull  now,  to  what  they  were  just  before  thy  going  off: 
no  strangers  having  this  year  come  among  us,  nor  any  ship  from 
England,  but  the  Messenger.  I  say  thy  affairs,  however,  are  so 
considerable  that  they  not  only  deserve  thy  regard,  but  imme- 
diate presence,  as  I  have  often  said  before.  The  load  now  lies 
so  much  upon  me,  that,  notwithstanding  I  have  but  little 
befriended  myself  since  my  coming  into  the  province,  and  this 
year,  by  reason  of  my  charge,  less  than  ever,  and  therefore 
might  want  a  support :  yet  I  had  better  go  into  the  woods  than 
perpetually  undergo  the  fatigues,  which  in  a  little  time,  for  want 
of  more  true  friends  to  thee,  should  things  continue  as  they  are, 
will  grow  wholly  unsupportable;  nor  can  I  name  one  here  fit 
for  want  of  either  capacity  or  inclination,  to  take  off  any  share 
of  the  burden.  The  commissioners  on  that  business  still  sit 
pretty  duly  as  to  property ;  but  Edward  Shippen  is  much  thronged 
in  his  own  affairs,  and  has  the  faculty  of  understanding  little  but 
those,  yet  he  has  been  true,  and  well  inclined,  according  to  his 
ability,  and  I  hope  will  continue  so:  but  the  corporation  has 
done  him  no  kindness.  I  wish  thine  —  by  any  act  —  could  be 
made  his  own  business,  and  then  near  would  equal  him.  Thomas 
Story,  with  a  resolution  taken  up  not  to  give  any  offence,  besides 
his  natural  inclination,  avoids,  as  much  as  possible,  any  trouble 
of  that  kind ;  being  exceeding  uneasy  to  him,  and  is  desirous  to 
be  released,  as  I  suppose  thou  wilt  shortly  hear  from  his  own 
hand.  Honest  Griffith  Owen  is  steel  to  the  back  —  were  he  very 
capable — but  none  of  these  will  concern  themselves  any  further 
than  that  bare  commission,  except  in  some  few  things  I  force 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  T4I 

on  them.  Nothing  can  be  expected  from  any  thou  canst  send 
from  thence,  for  they  never  proved  well  yet.  Thyself,  therefore, 
it  is  that  must  stand  the  main  wheel,  and  I  doubt  not  it  will 
prove  worth  while.  Pray  write  nothing  from  my  letters  to  any 
here — as  the  corporation  or  others  —  for  then  I  must  fly  the 
province.  Pray  write  jointly  to  the  commissioners  if  thou  sus- 
pect anything  in  my  letters  —  be  pleased  to  consult  any  from 
hence.  'Tis  an  unhappiness  that  Puckle  is  not  arrived  before 
the  departure  of  this  ship  —  who  is  bound  to  Milford  from  Wm. 
French,  &c. ;  Wm.  Burge  goes  in  her ;  John  Guy  is  master —  that 
I  might  answer  thy  letters,  which  I  expect  will  be  angry  for  those 
things  sent,  John  Sotcher,  who  we  hear  is  arrived,  not  coming 
sooner.  But  however  the  unhappiness  of  affairs  may  have  ren- 
dered things,  I  did  all  that,  with  any  show  of  reason,  was  in  my 
power:  and  I  am  sure  no  backwardness  of  mine  was  the  cause 
of  it;  but  I  have  there  given  my  reasons,  which  I  hope  will  be 
satisfactory.  My  trouble  is,  that  Puckle  sailed  from  London 
before  J.  Sotcher  arrived.  At  Pennsbury  they  are  now  in  indif- 
ferent health,  but  have  had  the  distemper.  Peter,  I  informed 
before,  is  dead.  Hugh  and  Barnes,  the  only  two  white  servants, 
have  been  ill  of  the  distemper,  but  are  recovered.  Hugh  is 
going  to  be  married  and  leave  us  as  soon  as  his  place  can  be 
supplied.  Mary  is  so  lonesome  that  she  is  resolved  in  winter,  if 
her  husband  come  not  before,  to  come  live  in  town. 

Having  some  time  after  thy  departure  to  live  in  S.  Carpenter's 
house,  I  continued  longer,  resolving  not  to  leave  it  till  spring; 
but  then  receiving  in  thy  letters  an  account  of  Mr.  William's 
design  to  come  over,  and  finding  no  convenience  to  be  had  in 
town  for  the  council,  commissioners  of  property,  reception  of 
the  Governor,  &c.  ;  and  willing  that  some  appearance  of  gov- 
ernment should  continue,  by  having  a  fixed  place  for  that,  and 
all  other  public  affairs  ;  and  thinking  by  that,  thy  coming,  which 
I  caused  to  be  believed,  as  much  as  possible,  would  be  the  more 
firmly  depended  upon,  I  have  still  continued,  and  kept  house 
in  it  till  this  time  —  being  the  only  suitable  place  to  be  thought 
of  in  town — but  now  hearing  nothing  more  of  thy  son's  coming, 
and  I  finding  things  bear  too  hard  upon  me,  I  design  speedily 
to  go,  table  myself  and  man  abroad,  and  shorten  my  charges, 


14?  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

which    I   have   hitherto   been   at,  chiefly   for  public    considera- 

tioas 

The  town  mill  goes  well,  but  v/ill  not  yield  much  profit,  though 
the  cost  above  ;i^400,  without  a  pair  of  black  stone  or  cullens  — 
which  I  wrote  for  before.  The  miller  next  week  leaves  for  that 
on  Naaman's  Creek :  we  have  not  yet  got  another 


James  Logan  to  Richard  Harford. 
\_Extract.'\  Philadelphia,  id'^th-mo.,  1702. 

....  At  New  York  they  are  sorely  visited  with  a  mortal  dis- 
temper, equal,  they  say,  to  the  plague  ;  and  here  we  have  also 
with  a  fever,  which,  though  exceeding  troublesome,  seldom  ever 
touched  the  life,  but  otherwise  very  afflicting.  With  this  I  have 
been  tormented  for  six  weeks  past,  and  have  scarce  recovered 
strength  yet  for  any  business :  it  seized  the  head  much  and  ren- 
dered the  brain  weak,  to  which  impute  what  of  that  kind  appears 
in  '.'his  letter;  that  about  B.  I  excepted,  for  then  I  was  in  my 
perfect  senses.  I  will  not  add  but  that  with  dear  love  to  thyself, 
and  sincere  respects  to  thy  wife,  brother,  and  friend,  I  am 

Thy  sincere  and  still  affectionate  friend,         J.  L. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 
\_Extract.'\  Philadelphia,  \Wi  Zmo.,  1702. 

....  Those  scandalous  papers  of  that  unworthy  tool.  Col. 
Quary,  were  laid  before  the  council  with  thy  answers  and 
rejoinders,  and  met  the  due  resentment  of  them  all.  They  have 
ordered  an  answer  to  be  drawn  up  here  —  the  best  that  can  — 
but  pray  do  not  expect  more  in  thy  absence  than  could  be  done 
while  thou  wast  present.  C.  Read  is  an  instance  of  it,  though 
he  appeared  very  hearty.  I  wish  there  were  no  more  ;  but  I 
have  been  very  plain  on  that  head  in  my  former  letters. 

On  the  14th  instant,  fourteen  representatives  met  for  assembly 
for  the  province,  but  none  for  the  lower  counties,  they  declaring, 
as  we  since  hear,  that  the  Charter  of  Privileges  was  no  sum- 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I43 

mons  to  them  ;  but  had  writs  gone  down  they  would  have  chose, 
which  could  not  be,  because  it  had  been  denying  them  the  char- 
ter; nor  would  they  have  done  it.  Besides,  the  Governor  —  as 
in  my  last  by  Wm.  Burge  to  Milford  —  was  much  averse  to  any 
assembly  at  all,  if  it  could  be  slid  over :  and  what  has  already 
past  shows  what  old  grounds  there  were  for  it. 

The  fourteen  representatives  being  convened  on  the  day 
appointed,  with  the  Governor  and  council,  and  finding  them- 
selves too  small  in  number  to  act,  desired  to  know  whether  the 
lower  counties  had  chose  or  made  return  of  members ;  which 
being  answered  in  the  negative,  they  requested  they  might  pro- 
ceed, according  to  the  grant  and  rules  of  the  charter,  which  is 
that  they  might  enter  their  separation  from  the  lower  counties, 
and  so  have  four  members  more  added  to  them  for  each  county, 
so  as  to  make  them  twenty-four.  This  involved  a  total  dis- 
union from  the  said  counties.  The  whole  council  opposed,  and 
to  their  utmost,  by  all  the  mild  ways  possible,  holding  frequent 
conferences,  especially  every  night,  and  using  the  same  endeav- 
ors in  the  day ;  yet  they  were  all  obstinate  to  a  man.  David 
Lloyd  chiefly  encouraging  it,  till  at  length  seeing  the  great 
earnestness  of  both  Governor  and  council,  who  they  believed 
at  last  mostly  sought  their  good  as  well  as  their  own,  upon  a 
motion  industriously  urged  in  some  of  the  conferences,  that  they 
should  stay  at  least  till  writs  were  sent  down  to  try  the  lower 
counties,  into  the  tail  of  which  a  paragraph  was  inserted,  hoping 
it  would  please.  After  three  desperate  tuggings,  they  at  length 
wore  out  with  shame,  and  over  D.  Lloyd's  head  —  as  appeared 
by  his  absenting  himself — they  presented  themselves;  and  J. 
G.,  in  behalf  of  them  all  who  were  there,  by  their  order,  declared 
their  sentiments  were,  that  they  had  been  long  joined  to  the 
said  counties ;  that  the  charter  was  a  new  thing,  and  as  they 
would  not  act  precipitately,  therefore  craved  a  month  longer  to 
consider  of  it,  but  would  say  nothing  at  all  to  the  writ  —  a  copy 
of  one  of  which  is  enclosed.  I  cannot  get  the  minutes  ready. 
The  Governor  and  council  were  wholly  of  opinion  that  sep- 
aration at  this  juncture  —  considering  what  appeared  from  Col. 
Quary's  papers — would  prove  exceedingly  injurious  to  thy 
affairs,  which  papers  were  also  seht  the  representatives  to  peruse. 


144  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

I  cannot  add.  I  am  ashamed  to  say  this  unaccountable  distem- 
per still  sticks  close  upon  me,  as  most  others  that  have  had  it, 
with  relapses,  j^ricvous  headaches  and  weakness ;  yet  I  still  do 
what  nature  will  allow  me,  which  makes  me  longer  in  recover- 
ing.    I  often  thought  I  had  been  free  of  it,  but  still  find  it  hard. 

David  Lloyd's  great  design  seems  to  be  the  charter  of  prop- 
erty which  he  has  already  moved,  and  which  will  prove  very 
unhappy,  because  though  thou  didst  give  the  negative  from  Eng- 
land, to  the  whole,  yet  the  paper  thou  wrote  with  thy  own  hand, 
and  signed  and  sealed,  delivering  it  to  the  Governor,  (Hamilton,) 
will  make  troublesome  work,  I  doubt,  because  it  grants  unrea- 
sonably, and  thou  hast  sent  nothing  yet  of  a  charter  as  expected, 
though  could  they  judge  of  affairs,  they  would  not. 

At  Pennsbury  they  are  well.  Mary  gives  all  her  service  and 
dear  love.  She  comes  to  town  this  winter  if  her  husband  comes 
not.     I  am,  as  Mary,  thy  faithful  and  dutiful  servant, 

James  Logan. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  1st,  10/h-mo.,  1702. 

[The  beginning  of  this  letter,  says  Mrs.  Logan,  contains  ac- 
knowledgments of  the  receipts  of  the  Proprietor's  letters,  and  an 
account  of  the  writer's  own  weak  state  of  health  from  many 
relapses  of  his  disorder.     He  then  proceeds:] 

As  to  Quary,  touched  in  several  places,  he  was  long  believed 
here  to  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  French,  which  struck 
a  great  damp  into  that  party  ;  but  unhappily  about  ten  days 
ago  he  brought  the  first  news  of  his  arrival  himself.  He  appears 
very  big  upon  it,  struts  extremely  among  his  own  herd;  magnifies 
his  own  services  and  the  great  deference  paid  him  there,  as  well 
as  his  victory  ;  and  boasts  that  he  not  only  foiled  thee  before  the 
Lords  of  Trade,  but  had  gained  his  point  before  the  Queen  her- 
self, with  several  stories  patched  uj),  as  much  as  possible,  to  thy 
disadvantage,  at  which  that  envious  crew  hug  themselves,  and 
are  overgrown  with  expectation  of  all  becoming  Dons,  &c.  He 
also  brought  with  him,  they  say,  a  letter  of  thanks   from   the 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I45 

Lords  of  Trade  to  those  of  the  lower  counties,  who  sent  the  ad- 
dress, assuring  them  of  their  regard  and  protection,  all  which 
being  greedily  embraced  by  those  who  would  have  it  so,  is  of 
very  ill  consequence  to  the  carrying  041  of  business,  where  any 
of  them  are  concerned  :  an  instance  of  which  I  had  the  other 
day  from  one  below.  John  Healy,  who  has  always  before 
appeared  to  me  extremely  friendly,  and  who  had  engaged  to 
pay  George  Dakeque  for  me  last  /th-day  due  on  his  bond  ;  instead 
of  money  gave  only  this  answer:  "That  he  was  informed  another 
receiver-general  was  shortly  to  call  them  to  account;  and,  there- 
fore, to  prevent  his  paying  his  rent  over  again,  he  thought  it 
safest  to  secure  the  money  in  his  own  hands."  I  wrote  to  John 
about  it,  as  hoping  it  a  misinformation,  and  that  I  could  not 
believe  it  of  him,  but  have  had  no  answer. 

The  Council  have  meetings  to  consider  of  his  (Quary's)  arti- 
cles in  the  Governor's  absence,  but  are  at  a  loss  how  to  frame 
effectual  answers  by  negatives ;  they  judge  he  ought  to  prove 
them :  for  that  the  Friends  have  barely  denied  them  will  be  no 
answer  at  all,  at  least  not  near  so  effectual  as  those  thou  couldst 
give  when  confronting  him  there;  the  credit  of  what  is  sent 
from  hence  consisting  only  in  the  signing  of  names:  which  they 
will  always  clamor  against,  and  affirm  to  be  picked  and  called 
for  the  purpose  of  making  us  all  parties;  and  thy  answers  made 
on  the  spot,  contradicting  him  to  his  face,  must  needs  prevail 
more  than  his.  The  method,  therefore,  proposed  to  be  taken  is, 
viz.,  to  address  the  Queen  herself,  congratulating  her  accession, 
&c.,  as  Friends  there,  and  others  here,  with  our  adjacent  colo- 
nies, have  made  and  are  about  making,  and  in  that  to  complain 
closely  of  the  abuses  put  upon  us  by  men  of  such  a  character ; 
and  to  request  her,  that  a  commission  of  inquiry  may  be  issued 
to  some  of  our  neighbors  who  are  impartial,  and  may  be  pre- 
sumed to  be  noways  prejudiced  against  us,  to  make  a  full 
examination  of  all  matters  alleged ;  where  all  the  requisite 
proofs,  on  every  side,  may  be  at  hand,  and  full  credit  be  given 
to  the  report,  against  which  there  may  be  no  account. 

Whether  this  will  really  take  or  not,  is  yet  uncertain,  by 
reason  of  the  Governor's  absence,  who  came  from  West  Jersey 
the  day  before  the  Assembly  had  appointed  to  meet,  and  went 


146  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

away  for  Amboy  the  day  after  they  broke  up,  which  was  the 
fifth  day  after  they  came  together;  but  of  this  more  hereafter. 

It  is,  however,  concluded  that  answers  shall  be  drawn,  in 
which  considerable  advances  are  to  be  made  ;  and  because  the 
messenger  is  hurrying  away  unexpectedly  before  the  frost,  all 
possible  care  shall  be  taken  to  dispatch  them  by  the  first  oppor- 
tunity from  the  eastward  or  otherwise.  The  Governor  having 
lately  moved  his  family  to  Amboy,  and  my  continuing  some 
weeks  after  Puckle's  arrival  under  that  unhappy  affliction  of  the 
distemper  settling  in  my  head,  which  I  often  feared  would  prove 
fatal  to  my  memory,  as  an  apoplexy,  have  been  the  true  causes 
why  I  have  not  been  able  to  get  these  things  ready. 

It  were  to  be  wished  some  other  officers  of  the  government, 
who  get  no  less  by  it  than  I  do,  would  more  effectually  lend  a 
helping  hand  in  those  ministerial  affairs  with  which,  considering 
the  other  charges  no  less  incumbent  upon  me,  I  am  at  present 
oppressed ;  but  upon  thy  son's  arrival,  if  thy  own  cannot  be  so 
soon,  I  hope  for  some  relief 

We  are  sensible  of  thy  great  exigencies,  for  want  of  sufficient 
supplies  there,  but  I  can  find  no  better  way  to  remedy  it  than 
those  I  am  upon.  When  thy  son  arrives,  he  will  be  a  witness  of 
our  circumstances,  and  that  I  pretend  nothing  for  the  sake  of 
excuse,  but  what  we  too  feelingly  experience  to  be  true.  Wheat, 
that  while  thou  wast  here  was  our  best  comtnodity,  goes  now 
begging  from  door  to  door,  and  can  scarcely  find  a  buyer ; 
the  cheapness  of  grain  in  England  allowing  provisions  from 
thence  at  much  easier  rates  than  our  countrymen  will  yet  afford 
it ;  so  that  very  few  vessels  have  gone  out  this  fall — which  used 
to  be  the  busiest  time  —  and  even  these  lie  here  long  before 
freighted,  a  tedious  time  to  the  wharves,  to  get  two-third  loading, 
perhaps  with  which  they  are  forced  to  go  away.  The  merchants 
thus  forbearing  to  buy,  the  country  can  get  no  money.  Wheat 
they  offer  in  pay,  but  that  here  is  no  vent  for  it,  for  it  is  no  bet- 
ter than  nothing;  nor  indeed  the  merchants  much  better  supplied 
with  money  than  the  country.  They  buy  goods  of  the  vessels 
come  in,  at  150  per  cent.,  but  how  they  will  be  paid  for,  none 
can  foresee;  unless  corn  rise  in  England,  or  a  peace  —  which  is 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I47 

not  likely  —  open  to  us  the  Spanish  trade,  this  province  seems 
in  danger  of  being  brought  to  an  ebb 

I  dun  for  money  to  my  utmost,  showing  to  honest  Friends  and 
others  to  whom  't  is  fit,  the  convenient  parts  of  thy  letters  ;  but 
even  of  the  quitrents,  which  the  county  would  more  willingly 
pay  than  other  debt;  and  in  Chester  County  —  always  reputed 
the  richest  —  a  very  good  hand  that  I  employed  would  in  five 
weeks'  time,  spent  almost  wholly  upon  it,  collect  but  about 
;^30 :  though  he  went  over  the  greatest  part  of  it  all.  Of  the 
supply  from  Bucks  I  have  received  but  one  ton  and  a  half  of 
flour 

Land,  however,  sells  as  well  as  ever,  but  they  generally  dis- 
appoint wholly  in  their  pay  ;  and  many  finding  the  difficulty  fly 
off  again  ;  yet  if  trade  once  went  with  encouragement  as  before, 
thou  needs  not  doubt,  I  believe,  of  being  cleared  of  all  thy 
incumbrances  in  some  time,  by  this  province  alone,  and  as  I 
have  often  said,  it  well  deserves  thy  regard  in  person  here 

For  this  past  year,  we  have  sold  but  165  feet  of  the  bank,  of 
which  good  part  is  yet  unpaid,  according  to  thy  concessions  ; 
who  under  thy  hand  granted  two  years  for  the  latter  moiety  of 
the  payment.  This  backwardness  was  foolishly  occasioned  by 
a  public  discourse  of  P.  Parmyter,  a  few  days  after  thy  departure : 
who  affirming  thy  right  extended  no  further  than  to  the  edge 
of  the  river — I  know  not  whether  high-  or  low-water  mark  — 
and  that  all  the  ground  gained  from  the  river  was  the  King's, 
and  not  thine,  discouraged  most  (for  it  soon  spread)  from  buy- 
ing. Joshua  Carpenter  who  was  eager  before,  with  several  others, 
alleged  this  for  their  onl}^  reason. 

I  cannot  believe  but  a  bargain  as  thou  mention  —  with- the 
Crown  —  if  to  be  had  on  any  good  terms,  is  fit  to  be  accepted. 
Friends  here,  at  least  the  generality  of  the  most  knowing,  think 
government  so  ill-fitted  to  their  principles,  that  it  renders  them 
very  indifferent  in  that  point,  further  than  that  they  earnestly 
desire  thy  success  in  vindicating  the  country's  reputation,  and 
that  they  may  not  fall  a  spoil  to  such  base  hands  as  now  seek 
our  ruin.  Privileges,  they  believe,  such  as  might  be  depended 
on  for  continuance,  both  to  thee  and  them  with  a  moderate  gov- 
ernor, would  set  thee  much  more  at  ease   and  give  thee  an  hap- 


148  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

pier  life  as  proprietor,  only  than  thou  hast  yet  had  as  governor; 
besides,  that  it  would  exempt  them  from  the  solicitude  they  are 
under,  both  from  their  own  importance  and  the  malicious  watch- 
fulness of  enemies. 

A  letter  came  directed  to  his  "  Excellency  Lewis  Morris,  her 
Majesty's  Governor  of  the  Jersies,"  and  we  have  heard  a  com- 
mission for  him  was  ingrossed,  and  brought  to  the  seal,  but 
stopped  by  Lord  Rochester  and  Clarendon,  in  behalf  of  Lord 
Cornbury,  who  has  now  obtained  them  —  and  that  Col.  Ingolsby 
is  lieutenant,  and  J.  Bass  secretary ;  the  report  of  which  is 
afflicting  to  the  West  Jerseys,  who,  with  others,  may  bless  them- 
selves at  the  management  of  affairs,  when  such  a  tool  as  the 
last,  after  so  long  opportunities  of  being  known,  can  obtain  a 
commission. 

P.  Parmyter  has  never  been  in  the  province  since  he  first  left 
it,  a  few  days  after  thy  departure.  'Tis  said  that  Col.  Quary  is 
made  a  commissary  for  this  place,  by  the  Bishop  of  London :  ^ 
so  that  'tis  feared  J.  Moore  will-  now  act  by  authority  under 
him.  The  Governor  is  exceeding  tender,  for  want  of  approba- 
tion, otherwise  that  office  would  soon  be  wrenched  out  of  his 
(J.  Moore's)  hands,  the  register's  I  mean.  He  is  base  and  un- 
grateful, as  thou  writes,  we  well  know,  and  now  begins  daily  to 
be  more  loathed  by  indifferent  men.  But  that  ever  such  a  fellow 
should  have  a  commission  from  thee,  sticks  deep  in  the  thoughts 
of  many. 

A.  Morris  behaves  as  well  as  possibly  his  temper  can 
let  him  ;  he  seems  much  brought  off  from  that  busy  humor, 
and  sometimes  speaks  in  a  meeting ;  but  David  Lloyd  is  believed 
to  be  too  deep  in  the  plot  with  J.  Moore.  'Tis  certain  they 
both  join  in  endeavoring  to  stop  the  courts,  and  procrastinate 
acts  of  justice. 

That  of  the  French  Indians  I  believe  is  entirely  fictitious,  we 
hear  nothing  like  it ;  they  seem  quiet  all  around  us.  Harry  has 
been  lately  among  the  Onandagoes,  and  promised  to  take  this 
place  in  his  return,  as  in  his  outsetting,  but  has  failed  of  it,  being 
come  home  near  two  months  ago.     They  are  quiet  there,  we 

*  [Henry  Compton,  translated  from  Oxford,  ob,  July  7,  1713. — Ed.] 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I49 

hear;  our  own  Indians  for  this  last  year  have  seldom  come  near 
us  ;  some  of  them  are  uneasy,  and  threaten  to  disturb  the  remote 
settlers  of  land :   such  as  the  new  German  tract,  which  they 

clamor  is  not  purchased I  have  wrote  to  Dr.  Zachary 

about  the  guns,  as  desired,  but  have  no  answer;  perhaps  he  will 
write  to  thyself;  our  post,  by  Samuel's  death,  has  of  late  much 
failed  us 

I  told  and  weighed  that  bag  of  money  left  sealed  by  Hall,  in 
his  presence,  and  gave  him  a  receipt  for  it,  he  being  near  too 
much  in  our  debt,  but  have  not  yet  settled  accounts  with  him. 
Instead  of  putting  him  down,  the  court  sets  at  his  house  ;  he 
has  no  license,  and  I  can  do  no  more,  for  the  corporation  assume 
that  to  themselves 

Thou  received  a  new  wig  thyself  some  little  time  before  thy 
departure,  as  I  remember,  which  cost  either  forty  or  fifty  shillings, 
and  N.  Puckle  would  put  an  ill-favored  one  on  me,  which  thou  gave 
him  he  said  to  dispose  of  his  last  voyage :  but  I  sent  it  forth- 
with to  my  wig-maker's  to  .sell  to  the  best  advantage 

I  have  spoke  to  the  chief  of  those  concerned  in  the  iron 
mines,  but  they  seem  careless,  having  never  had  a  meeting  since 
thy  departure ;  their  answer  is  that  they  have  not  yet  found  any 
considerable  vein. 

Governor  Hamilton  comes  and  stays  with  us  as  there  is  occa- 
sion, but  seldom  otherwise;  his  free  temper  puts  him  to  a  con- 
siderable charge,  so  that  I  have  been  forced  to  supply  him  very 
considerably,  not  having  had  one  forfeiture  of  any  kind,  but  a 
late  one  of  Butterworth's  vessel,  and  a  chest  of  goods :  the 
first  apprized  at  ;{^ioo  the  whole,  the  other  not  yet,  but  have  re- 
ceived nothing  though  the  money  be  paid  into  the  court :  it  is  in 
such  bad  hands  we  expect  no  justice  that  can  be  withheld.  The 
seizure  was  made  at  New  Castle  ;  among  the  goods  were  some 
East  Indian,  which  they  parted  from  the  rest  and  brought  to  a 
particular  trial  before  Quary's  arrival  :  grounding  the  libel  on 
the  12  Car.  II.,  which  divides  the  forfeiture  into  two  shares  only, 
one  to  the  King,  the  other  the  informer,  without  any  part  to  the 
Governor.  I  appeared  at  the  court  and  opposed  it :  upon  which 
they  deferred  their  decree  till  I  could  have  the  opinion  of 
the  lawyers  of  New  York ;    accordingly,  W.   Nicholls  and  J. 


150  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

Emmot's^  were  procured,  which  was  that  the  East  India  goods 
could  be  tried  here  by  no  Act  of  Parliament ;  but  that  if  they 
were,  they  should  upon  forfeiture  be  divided  into  thirds  as 
others;  yet  I  expect  no  favor;  that  opinion,  though  obtained 
at  their  own  instance,  being  employed,  as  I  am  informed,  for 
Col.  Quary  being  at  last  court  himself,  I  did  not  appear. 

As  to  fines  —  I  have  promoted  and  pressed  their  levy  in  this 
county  to  my  utmost,  and  got  warrants  signed  for  all  that  the  clerk 
could  make  out  estreats  for,  but  those  for  unlicensed  ale-houses, 
being  the  most  considerable,  the  corporation,  as  I  have  said 
before,  claimed  by  their  charter.  The  tonnage  money  is  dropped, 
as  I  have  also  mentioned  before,  by  a  direct  repeal  of  that  law, 
yet  we  proceeded  to  take  it  till  we  were  sharply  threatened  to 
be  sued  for  it.  The  fines  for  the  lower  counties  I  dare  not  med- 
dle with  as  things  stand  ;  the  sheriffs  in  the  other  two  counties 
are  so  remiss,  that  scarce  anything  can  be  drove  forward ;  and 
the  want  of  the  approbation  ties  the  Governor's  hands  from  all 
acts  that  seem  to  carry  any  severity,  and  as  such  may  be  resented ; 
for  David  Lloyd  has  affirmed  that  Governor  Hamilton  is  no 
more  than  a  conservator  of  the  peace,  and  no  governor  till  ap- 
proved :  in  which  he  seems  unhappily  to  be  of  the  attorney- 
general's  opinion  there  ;  but  this  discourse  was  uttered  long 
before  the  opinion  was  obtained,  which  when  arrived  by  J. 
Sotcher,  it  struck  the  Governor  with  the  greatest  surprise,  and 
he  seemed  extremely  concerned  upon  it:  since  which  I  have 
not  seen  him,  for  he  left  us  the  next  day  after  the  ship's  arrival. 
He  is  generally  beloved  by  the  indifferent^  as  Andrew  Hamil- 
ton, but  as  Governor  Hamilton  opposed  by  the  obstinate  party. 

I  hope  we  shall  have  all  parts  of  the  province  re-surveyed 
before  the  time  expires,  &c. ;  also  the  best  part  of  New  Castle 
County :  but  for  the  other  two,  I  cannot  promise,  though  they 
shall  not  be  quite  neglected.  Our  discouragement  is,  that  it 
must  be  mostly  at  thy  charge,  and  what  overplus  is  found,  they 
are  generally  of  opinion  it  is  theirs,  paying  the  rent  of  it. 

'  [James  Emott,  a  lawyer  of  New  York,  retired  in  1690  to  East  Jer- 
sey. For  some  reference  to  him,  see  Index  to  '^ Documents  relating  to 
the  Colonial  History  of  New  York.''  —  Editor.] 

'That  is,  by  the  moderate  party.  —  L. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I5I 

Of  the  improvements  of  Pennsbury  I  can  give  no  particular 
account,  never  finding  time  to  go  thither,  but  when  other  urgent 
business  called  me  that  way — only  in  the  latter  part  of  my  ill- 
ness I  went  to  endeavor  a  recovery,  though  mostly  in  vain. 
John  was  exceedingly  industrious  before  he  went,  and  afterward 
Hugh  was  no  ill  successor,  but  he  fell  sick,  and  also  Charles, 
who  has  lately  gone  off,  his  time  having  expired. 

As  to  characters  —  that  of  J.  Gr.  continues  the  same  still,  and 
has  hurt  that  court.  J.  Moore  needs  none,  and  D.  Lloyd  seems 
to  have  the  same  heart,  and  the  same  face,  of  whom,  with  A.  M., 
I  have  spoke  before.  Joshua  Carpenter  is  still  a  resolute  ill- 
wisher,  but  can  do  nothing;  harmless  in  the  main,  but  rude 
to  a  scandal.  Griffith  Jones  regular;  N.  W.  not  unquiet,  but 
unworthy  in  presenting  David  Lloyd  to  be  chosen.  As  for  the 
rest  of  the  church  party,  they  are  easily  guessed,  but  A.  Paxton 
and  some  others,  new  enemies. 

I  have  now  run  over  all  the  heads  in  thy  first,  in  which  have 
answered  several  in  thy  others;  the  rest  I  shall  now  proceed  to. 

I  wish  thou  hadst  been  pleased  in  some  of  thy  letters  by  the 
Experiment  to  have  been  more  particular  about  my  packets.  I 
took  all  the  pains  I  possibly  could  in  them,  but  I  know  not  yet 
what  is  judged  right,  or  what  amiss.  As  to  Charles  Read,^  I 
gave  no  expectation  in  mine,  per  John,  that  he  would  touch  with 
it  any  more,  unless  judicially  called  to  it,  which  we  cannot  do, 
it  being  a  thing  not  relating  to  the  peace,  nor  the  Crown  within 
our  cognizance,  unless  he  would  do  it  voluntarily — I  mean  make 
oath — which  he  then  positively  refused,  though  much  courted,  arid 
some  have  applied  to  him  again,  but  can  get  no  other  answer. 

Our  unhappiness  is,  that  the  attestation  of  a  Friend  is  in  very 
few  things  serviceable  ;  nor  is  there  much  of  these  things  within 
their  knowledge;  'tis  the  oath  of  a  churchman  must  do,  if  any, 
of  whom  some  being  enemies  and  others  more  indifferent,  the 
first  cannot  be  expected,  and  the  latter,  from  the  stories  com- 
monly spread,  fully  expect  a  change,  and  therefore  will  appear 
in  nothing  that  may  render  them  obnoxious  to  the  next,  which 
they  confidently  believe  must  be  of  their  own  party:  a  remark- 
able instance  of  which   I   lately  had,  in  endeavoring  for  some 


^  As  one  of  the  appraisers  of  Lumbey's  goods. 


—  L. 


152  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17O2. 

depositions,  and  which  is  as  follows,  and  mentioned  in  my  for- 
mer letters. 

Governor  Hamilton,  upon  proclaimmg  the  war,  exhorted  the 
people,  publicly  met  on  that  occasion,  to  list  themselves  under 
some  captain  and  other  officers  for  their  own  defence  and  security, 
as  he  should  forthwith  give  commissions  to :  using  all  necessary 
arguments  to  induce  them  to  it ;  and  accordingly  he  soon  after 
granted  one  to  George  Lowther,  mentioned  in  some  of  my  for- 
mer, (with  other  commissions  to  his  two  subalterns,  to  a  lieu- 
tenant and  an  ensign,)  to  be  captain  of  a  company  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

Upon  this  the  drums  beat  through  the  town  for  such  to  meet 
as  were  that  way  inclined.  The  captain,  upon  promises  made 
him,  expecting  a  large  appearance,  but  when  coming  to  the  field 
he  found  himself  much  disappointed  ;  those  that  listed  being 
of  a  meaner  sort  than  those  he  expected :  though  from  the  dis- 
course he  had  heard,  and  endeavors  he  understood  were  used, 
he  feared  something  of  the  kind.  He  treated  them  all,  how- 
ever, very  civilly,  and  encouraged  them  to  meet  again,  marching 
them  through  the  town. 

Upon  this  disappointment,  he  applied  himself  again  to  make 
an  interest — ^for  he  was  very  hearty  in  it — and  to  have  it 
mended  the  next  time,  but  found  the  most  ignorant  generally 
persuaded  that  if  they  listed  they  must  be  forced  to  march 
towards  Canada;  and  the  others  generally  backward,  giving 
this  when  forced  to  it  for  their  reason  :  that  for  them  to  form 
themselves  into  a  militia  now  would  be  the  readiest  method  to 
secure  the  Quakers  government,  (the  want  of  one  being  the 
greatest  objection  against  it,)  while  they  (the  Quakers)  would 
not  lend  a  hand  to  it,  but  laughed  at  them  for  their  labor.  J. 
Moore  also,  and  Jasper  Yeates  took  an  opportunity  one  evening 
to  send  for  the  captain  himself,  and  used  all  possible  argument 
such  as  the  latter  I  have  mentioned,  especially  to  dehort  him 
from  the  undertaking.  He  mustered  however  a  second  time, 
which  was  the  last,  finding  the  opposition  too  great  to  struggle 
with ;  persons  being  daily  employed,  in  private,  to  divert  the 
inclinations  of  those  who  had  shown  a  forwardness  that  way. 

Of  this  there  might  considerable  advantages  have  been  made 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I53 

by  the  government  against  those  of  that  party,  who  had  shown 
themselves  basely  against  it,  discouraging  it ;  but  that  being  in  the 
hands  of  Friends,  whose  professions  is  directly  opposite,  they 
were  tied  up,  and  could  noways  appear  ;  besides  that,  many  were 
moved  at  the  drums,  &c.  Immediately  after  I  was  taken  sick 
and  kept  unfit  for  public  business  near  three  months  !«  all  ;  but 
since  my  recovery  I  have  endeavored  to  get  depositions  of  the 
said  opposition,  but  find  it  so  impracticable,  that  even  the  cap- 
tain himself  cannot  be  induced  to  move  in  it,  though  then  highly 
incensed,  nor  will  give  any  thing  under  his  hand,  nor  upon  oath,  I 
suppose  only  for  the  reasons  aforesaid.  I  shall  still  continue  my 
endeavors  to  prevail  on  him,  having  some  interest  with  him:  but 
cannot  appear  much,  or  publicly  in  it  myself;  because,  considering 
my  station,  it  would  be  a  reflection  on  the  generosity  of  gov- 
ernment  I  wrote  to  thee  on  the  23d  8th-mo.,  by  Milford, 

also  on  y®  18  ditto,  designed  by  Paxon,  but  gone  otherwise  by 
Maryland ;  of  what  progress  made  towards  the  Assembly,  to 
which  refer  for  what  passed  before  that  time,  since  on  the  i6th 
ult.  all  the  representatives  of  the  province  came  to  town,  and 
seven  from  the  lower  counties ;  who  all  duly  elected,  but  sent 
not  their  whole  number.  The  said  seven  being.  Richard  Hal- 
lowell,  Jasper  Yeates,  Evan  Jones,  Thomas  Sharp,  T.  Foster, 
John  Hill,  and  Js.  Booth ;  having  come  from  New  Castle,  that 
day  they  waited  on  the  Governor  all  together,  before  taking 
any  refreshment,  and  told  him  that  in  pursuance  of  his  writs, 
and  to  show  themselves  noways  refractory  in  government,  they 
were  come  to  attend  him,  but  conceived  notwithstanding  that  it 
would  be  impossible  to  form  an  assembly  at  this  juncture,  with 
those  of  the  province,  they  being  chosen  by  charter,  but  the 
others  by  writ,  which  would  prove  inconsistent.  The  Governor 
seemed  surprised  at  it,  and  gave  good  reasons  to  the  contrary, 
which  they  nevertheless  could  scarce  admit;  but  went,  however, 
at  the  Governor's  desire,  to  meet  the  others  of  the  province, 
that  they  might  all  in  one  body  wait  on  the  Governor,  when 
notice  was  given  them  that  he  and  the  council  were  ready,  which 
being  for  some  time  delayed  by  reason  of  consultations  held, 
the  lower-county  members  withdrew  to  refresh  themselves,  and 
being  then  all  sent  to,  the  upper  came  without  them.     Next 


154  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

day  was  spent  in  debates  whether  they  could  join  or  not,  which 
proving  difficult,  they  concluded  at  length,  in  the  evening,  on 
this  message  to  the  Governor,  which  they  sent  by  J.  Growdon, 
David  Lloyd,  Jasper  Yeates,  and  Robert  French,  who  being 
chosen  for  New  Castle  had  also  come  up  that  day,  but  not  with 
the  first,  to  acquaint  the  Governor  that  they  could  by  no  means 
see  their  way  clear  to  proceed  to  business,  as  they  were  then 
met:  yet  to  show  themselves  good  subjects  of  the  Crown,  and 
friends  of  the  country,  &c.,  if  the  Governor  had  anything  of 
great  moment  to  propose,  that  required  their  immediate  service, 
they  would  not  suffer  it  to  be  neglected,  but  strain  a  point  rather, 
and  fall  on  some  way  to  proceed.  The  Governor  upon  this 
delivered  them  a  letter  from  Lord  Cornbury,  desiring  the  £3iSO 
allotted  to  be  paid  by  this  province  might  be  sent  by  March 
next :  and  then  laid  before  them  the  naked  and  defenceless  state 
of  the  government,  which  would  require  an  immediate  provision. 
These  two  subjects  could  not  but  be  allowed  to  be  of  great  mo- 
ment, and  therefore  much  perplexed  them  all  next  day ;  for, 
notwithstanding  their  pretences,  they  were  resolved,  in  my 
opinion,  to  do  nothing,  as  appeared  in  the  evening,  when  all 
meeting  the  Governor,  they  told  him  positively  that  they  could 
not  agree  by  any  means  to  join  in  legislation;  upon  which  the 
Governor  replied,  he  must  then  take  it  to  be  their  opinion  that 
the  heads  he  had  proposed  were  of  no  moment ;  this  they  would 
not  allow,  but  made  excuses  and  such  poor  shifts  as  they  could 
upon  such  a  blunder.  They  were  then  pressed  to  declare  where 
the  obstruction  lay,  and  it  appeared  chiefly  in  the  lower  mem- 
bers: after  which  they  were  dismissed  for  that  evening — for 
being  as  yet  no  assembly,  they  could  not  adjourn.  Next  morn- 
ing, questions  requiring  positive  answers  under  their  hands,  were 
sent  to  them,  to  know,  first,  whether  the  representatives  of  the 
province  were  willing  to  join  with  those  of  the  lower  counties, 
on  the  footing  they  were  now  respectively  chosen.  The  second, 
the  same  to  the  lower  counties,  distinct.  The  third,  what  method 
those  that  refused  would  propose  to  come  to  legislation.  The 
first  was  answered  by  the  upper  ambiguously,  by  a  trick  of 
David  Lloyd's,  in  whose  hand  it  was  wrote,  and  who  seemed 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I55 

with  his  father-in-law^  to  be  of  a  party  with  the  lower,  hinder- 
ing all  he  could  the  said  answer  to   be  explained  by  the  other 

'  David  Lloyd,  whose  name  occurs  so  frequently  in  the  early  history 
of  Pennsylvania,  was  a  Welshman  by  birth,  and  it  is  probable  came 
over  to  this  country  in  1685,  ^^^  ^^  received  the  commission  of  attor- 
ney-general in  the  beginning  of  the  next  year.  In  1690  we  find  him 
included  in  Queen  Mary's  proclamation,  with  many  noblemen  and 
gentlemen,  among  whom  was  also  William  Penn,  as  supposed  conspira- 
tors at  the  time  King  William  was  in  Ireland.  D.  Lloyd  had  been  a 
captain  in  the  Republican  army,  and  was  strongly  attached  to  those 
principles,  but  had  joined  himself  to  the  religious  society  of  Friends 
previously  to  his  coming.  His  opposition  to  the  Proprietor  appears  to 
have  commenced  about  the  time  of  William  Penn's  second  return  to 
England,  and  had  its  rise  in  resentment ;  it  was  violent  and  carried  to 
the  most  unjustifiable  length,  as  may  be  fully  seen  in  these  letters.  As 
speaker  of  the  assembly,  he  appears  to  have  completely  possessed  the 
art  of  ingratiating  himself  with  the  members,  and  swaying  the  decision 
of  the  House  almost  as  he  pleased,  "having,"  as  James  Logan  ex- 
presses it,  "such  a  faculty  of  leading  them  out  of  their  depth,  and 
causing  his  accomplices  in  the  House  to  drown  all  others  with  their 
noise."  He  seems  to  have  been  the  constant  antagonist  of  all  who 
were  in  the  respect  or  confidence  of  William  Penn,  and  to  have  con- 
tinued this  opposition  during  the  Proprietor's  life,  and  when  afterwards 
he  exerted  himself  to  thwart  the  ambitious  designs  of  Sir  William 
Keith,  it  was  probably  because  he  was  his  rival  in  popular  favor. 

Sir  William,  in  expectation  of  removal  from  the  government,  had 
anticipated  for  himself  the  place  of  speaker  of  the  assembly,  and  with 
that  view,  in  the  election  of  1726  had  caused  himself  to  be  put  up 
both  for  Philadelphia  County  and  also  for  New  Castle,  that  he  might 
have  a  seat  in  each  house.  The  province  and  territories  having  at 
that  time  a  separate  assembly,  "at  New  Castle  he  missed  it,  but  was 
elected  for  Philadelphia  County  by  the  help  of  his  party,  who  were 
called  r.eithians  —  a  name  of  reproach  in  Pennsylvania,  where  the  fol- 
lowers of  George  Keith  had  before  been  so  called.  On  the  day  that  the 
assembly  met  to  choose  their  speaker,  Sir  William  rode  into  town 
attended  by  a  cavalcade  of  eighty  horse,  under  the  noise  of  many  guns 
firing.  Yet  he  was  not  so  much  as  named  for  speaker,  for  David  Lloyd, 
who  now  expresses  a  great  regard  for  Col.  Gordon,  (then  governor,) 
and  an  equal  resentment  against  Sir  William,  carried  it  by  every  vote 
but  three.  He  had  many  partisans  in  the  House,  but  finding  them- 
selves in  a  minority,  they  did  not  oppose  David  Lloyd."  Some  years 
after  this  we  find  him  in  a  kind  and  friendly  disposition  of  mind, 
assisting  James  Logan  in  ascertaining  the  proprietary  title  to  the  lower 
counties,  and  it  is  soothing  to  observe  the  character  of  men  who  have, 
like  him,  hitherto  been  swayed  by  prejudice  or  passion,  that  when  the 
evening  of  life  advances,  the  storms  which  have  agitated  them  subside, 
and  the  soul,  like  the  sun  of  the  natural  world  emerging  from  the 


156  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

ten  members  of  the  province,  who  were  unanimous  for  proceed- 
ing immediately,  as  then  chosen. 

The  lower  members  returned  a  positive  refusal  in  their  answer 
to  both  second  and  third,  a  copy  of  which,  because  something 
particular,  is  enclosed. 

The  members  of  the  province,  after  a  dismission  of  them  all 
till  he  should  see  further  occasion  to  call  them,  put  in  their  re- 
quest to  have  their  number  augmented,  in  pursuance  of  the 
charter,  under  their  hand  and  seals,  from  which  they  could  by 
no  means  be  diverted,  but  desired  they  might  have  nine  mem- 
bers in  all,  for  each  of  Chester  and  Bucks,  the  said  charter 
allowing  Philadelphia  to  choose  two  from  the  city  when  incor- 
porated, which  was  received,  because  it  could  not  be  refused,  and 
so  all  turned  to  their  respective  homes  without  further  pro- 
ceeding. 

I  took  minutes  both  by  myself  and  others,  as  full  and  exact 
as  possible,  which  being  very  long,  I  cannot  easily  get  reviewed 

clouds  which  have  obscured  it,  illuminates  the  horizon  with  its  parting 
beam,  and  the  day  closes  in  serenity  and  peace. 

David  Lloyd  married,  after  he  came  to  Pennsylvania,  Grace  Grow- 
don,  the  daughter  of  Joseph  Growdon,  of  Bucks  County,  a  dignified 
woman,  of  superior  understanding,  and  great  worth  of  character  ;  they 
had  but  one  child,  a  son,  who  died  at  an  early  age  by  a  most  distress- 
ing occurrence.  David  Lloyd  lived  for  about  twenty  years  at  Chester, 
where  he  built  himself  a  handsome  house  on  the  banks  of  the  Dela- 
ware, now  owned  by  Commodore  Porter,  his  first  dwelling-house 
being  destroyed  by  fire ;  here  he  lived  in  a  style  of  hospitality  and  com- 
fort, and  his  widow  continued  to  inhabit  it  many  years  after  his  decease. 
Their  remains  are  interred  in  the  burial  ground  of  Friends  at  Chester, 
where  a  small  stone  designates  their  graves.  At  the  time  of  his  death 
he  was  chief  justice  of  Pennsylvania. 

Such  is  the  contrariety  of  human  character  that  undivided  praise  or 
blame  cannot  justly  be  bestowed  perhaps  on  any,  nor  can  his  intrigues 
against  William  Penn,  and  his  practices  to  perplex  the  government,  ever 
find  excuse.  Proud  appears  to  be  afraid  to  touch  upon  his  character, 
but  says  that  his  political  talents  seem  to  have  been  rather  to  divide 
than  to  unite:  a  policy  that  may  suit  the  crafty  politician,  but  must  ever 
be  disclaimed  by  the  Christian  statesman. 

He  was  accounted  an  able  lawyer,  and  though  in  this  capacity  he 
had  completely  the  art  "to  perplex  and  dash  maturest  counsels,  and 
to  make  the  worst  appear  the  better  reason,"  yet  he  was  believed  to 
be  an  upright  judge,  and  in  private  life  he  was  acknowledged  to  be 
worthy,  a  good  husband,  a  kind  neighbor,  and  a  steady  friend.  He 
died  in  1731.  —  L. 


I702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  157 

and  copied,  otherwise  should  send  them  ;  but  I  need  not,  I  sup- 
pose, be  in  haste  to  send,  this  summary,  being  given  if  thou  in- 
tend in  any  short  time  to  visTt  us  :  which,  let  things  go  how  they 
will,  is  much  wanted. 

I  can  say  no  more  in  relation  to  Col.  Quary's  discourses  than 
is  in  my  affidavit,  having  rallied  my  memory  for  that  to  my 
utmost,  nor  could  I  have  given  that  itself  had  I  not  have  been 
called  in  once,  accidentally,  to  answer  a  question  :  whether  I  ever 
knew  any  affidavits  sent  by  thee  to  England  against  him.  Your 
discourses  were  generally  private,  and  the  whole  made  a  great 
secret,  so  far  that  I  never  knew  T.  Wenham  wrote  to  till  now 
informed  by  thy  letter,  or  that  J.  G.  was  thy  messenger,  till  since 
or  about  the  time  of  thy  departure.  I  would  gladly  do  all  in 
my  power,  but  a  deposition  is  a  tender  thing. 

I  have  already  spoke  of  the  Lewes  pirates  bonds,  &c.,  but 
think  it  noways  advisable  or  safe  that  thou  should  make  thyself 
debtor  before  it  is  received,  for  there  are  considerable  charges 
to  be  deducted  for  bringing  them  up.  It  shall  be  prest,  but  mat- 
ters depending  on  our  courts  move  exceeding  slowly ;  there  are 
such  plots  laid  and  endeavors  used  to  perplex  and  confuse  them, 
and  by  any  means  to  prevent  their  acting :  the  King's  death  as  the 
first  pretence,  and  the  corporation  the  next  occasion.  E.  Ship- 
pen  is  their  mayor  again,  but  J.  Moore  protests  against  him  as 
not  elected  according  to  the  charter,  though  their  chief  advo- 
cate before ;  upon  the  design  I  have  mentioned,  and  also  to  dis- 
mount J.  Guest  and  T.  Finney,  the  first  especially,  both  now  so 
disgusted  that  they  care  not  to  act  unless  in  emergencies,  for 
they  appear  true  to  the  government,  still  the  latter  sincerely,  the 
other  thou  knows. 

Evans  the  pirate  sold  the  house  and  lot  mortgages  to  D 
Powell,  Sr 

We  have  granted  Robert  Ashton  300  and  odd  acres,  being 
the  whole  of  that  vacant  land,  he  making  affidavit  that  thou 
promised  it  to  him,  but  have  bond  payable  if  thou  refuse  it,  and 
to  have  up  the  bond  is  what  he  requests. 

Pray  inform  what  must  be  done  about  the  ^^"50  lent  him,  iJ'io 
delivered  by  me  and  ;i^40  by  J.  Farmer  by  thy  order 


158  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

Lord  Cornbury,  I  perceive,  from  whom  fair  words  are  common, 
is  a  courtier,  few  of  them  I  know  are  sincere,  but  he  has  a  good 
stock  of  the  air  of  it.  D.  Campbell  died  on  his  journey  from 
home,  and  Secretary  Clarkson  with  his  wife,  soon  after  being 
almost  the  first  taken  in  the  New  York  sickness.  That  place 
for  above  five  weeks  has  been  exceedingly  healthy. 

George  Fox  in  his  will,  they  say,  left  this  meeting  his  lot  in 
the  city  for  a  meeting  and  school-house,  &c.,  and  sixteen  acres 
of  land,  also  in  the  city,  as  he  thought,  for  a  pasture  for  Friends' 
horses,  as  T.  Lowther  has  wrote  to  the  said  meeting,  who  there- 
upon have  applied  to  us  for  it  We  answered  that  what  lots  or 
liberty  land  belonged  to  his  purchase  of  1250  acres  we  were 
ready  to  grant  as  conveniently  as  after  so  long  a  tract  of  time 
they  could  be  had,  but  Friends  requesting  that  something  else 
might  be  granted  in  compensation,  to  answer  as  well  as  reason- 
ably could  be  the  end  of  the  grant ;  it  is  referred  to  thee,  and 
I  suppose  application  will  be  made  for  it  by  some  there. 

If  thou  send  any  new  commissions  by  thy  son,  I  must  request 
they  may  be  authentic  and  full,  for  such  as  have  been  formerly,  will 
do  no  longer,  even  ours  of  property  being  raked  into,  though 
allowed  to  be  much  the  best  of  any  that  has  been  yet  issued. 
A  copy  of  it  came  by  J.  S.,  if  I  mistake  not.  I  wish,  with  some 
of  present  judgment  here,  the  commissioners  could  be  erected 
into  a  court  of  property, which  would  much  facilitate. 

There  are  several  German  purchasers  who  claim  lots  in  the 
city,  and  liberty  land  not  only  for  their  purchases  of  B.  pfurley 
thy  agent,  but  from  thy  own  promises  also,  they  allege,  when  at 
Crevett  and  other  parts  of  Germany,  as  I  remember,  about  the 
year  1687.  I  entreat  thee  to  think  of  some  way  how  they  may 
be  answered 

My  mother's  misfortune^  is  my  affliction,  and  not  my  crime  ; 
what  most  troubles  me  in  it,  is  my  ingenious  little  brother,  who 
I  fear  is  ruined. 


'  This  was  an  unfortunate  second  marriage.  She  afterwards  came 
over  to  this  country,  and  was  affectionately  received  and  provided  for 
by  her  son :  he  also  procured  the  education  of  his  brother,  who  took 
his  degrees  at  Leyden,  and  became  a  celebrated  physician  at  Bris- 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  159 

I  have  now,  I  think,  fully  answered  not  only  all  thy  recited  let- 
ters, but  all  the  parts  of  them  with  accounts  of  what  else  is  neces- 
sary, my  prolixity  in  which,  had  it  any  other  subject  than  thy  chief 
concerns  in  these  parts,  would  meet  no  pardon ;  but  let  me 
intreat  thee  to  consider  how  great  the  charge  thou  hast  been 
pleased  to  intrust  to  me  is  in  many  particulars,  and  how  much 
every  small  matter  must  take  up  of  my  time,  which  is  wholly 
employed  in  thy  service,  without  any  abstraction  of  thought, 
which  I  could  not  always  say,  or  the  least  regard  to  my  own 
interest  hitherto,  for  which  this  last  year,  much  for  the  sake 
of  the  government  has  been  an  anxious  one;  but  I  am  now 
going  out  to  table. 

I  know  nothing  I  have  failed  in,  unless  thou  expected  of  all 
an  answer  to  the  government  to  Col.  Quary's  articles,  but  I  have 
told  my  case  already  ;  'tis  my  trouble  I  have  not  been  able  to 
answer  it  as  yet,  but  no  opportunity  shall  be  slipped,  that  may 
help  their  procurement  effectual  and  the  forwarding.  But  the 
whole  weight  of  the  ministerial  part  of  the  government  must 
lie  wholly  on  me,  while  it  affords  scarce  anything  to  obtain 
assistance,  and  no  other  will  put  a  hand  to  it,  though  in  con- 
science I  think  obliged  to  it 

Thy  friends  to  whom  the  tea  was  sent,  with  all  sense  of  grati- 
tude, and  in  true  love,  desire  to  be  remembered  to  thee,  among 
whom  be  pleased  to  accept  my  hearty  thanks.  Ed.  Shippen 
says  he  would  willingly  write,  but  can  find  no  agreeable  subject. 

J.  L. 

James  Logan  to  William  Tonge. 

Philadelphia,  \2th  \oth-mo.,  1702, 
Friend  Wm.  Tonge  :  —  Our  meetings  are  so  uncertain,  and 
when  we  meet  our  discourses  so  ineffectual,  that  I  must  take  to 
this  method  to  inform  thee  of  my  mind.  These  levies  for  the 
Governor's  aid  have  been  so  unaccountably  and  scandalously 
neglected  in  the  collection,  that  I  shall  think  myself  obliged  to 
throw  up  any  account  of  them  to  the  country,  with  a  remon- 

tol  in  England,  and  was  a  man  of  considerable  learning  and  attain- 
ments. —  L. 


l60  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

strance  that  may  put  them  upon  inquiry  into  the  causes  of  these 
shameful  defects,  and  animadvert  as  they  shall  see  occasion, 
that  I  may  at  length  be  cleared  of  the  whole,  and  eased  of  the 
perplexity.  In  the  first  place,  however,  I  must  request  a  full 
and  exact  account  of  all  thou  hast  received,  and  leave  us  not  for 
the  proof  of  thy  account  to  go  wherever  thou  hast  been,  inquire 
whether  they  have  paid  thee ;  this  will  throw  no  less  a  reflection 
on  thyself  than  it  will  give  us  trouble,  for  one  of  these  causes 
must  be  alleged  and  will  be  the  instruction  of  all  that  under- 
standing it,  viz.,  either  thou  hast  kept  no  accounts  or  we  cannot 
trust  them.  I  entreat  thee,  therefore,  to  be  exact  in  every  par- 
ticular :  giving  thyself  at  the  same  time  credit  by  my  receipts, 
or  others  to  whom  thou  hast  paid  by  my  order.  Give  also  a 
full  account  of  all  the  bills  thou  hast  received  of  what  kind 
soever.  This  I  must  request  with  all  possible  expedition,  for 
these  dilatory  methods  are  not  to  be  tolerated  in  business.  I 
must  produce  exact  accounts,  and  except  the  materials  be  first 
produced  to  me  I  cannot  make  them.  I  shall  not  add  till  our 
meeting,  which  if  thou  please  shall  be  at  Anderson's,  3d  day 
next,  at  five;  against  which  time  pray  let  no  excuse  obstruct 
thy  having  those  accounts  ready.  I  am  thy  real  friend, 

J.  L. 


William  Penn  to  Edward  Shippen,  Thomas  Story,  G.  Owen, 
AND  James  Logan.^ 

London,  \oth  iith-mo.,  1702. 
Dear  Friends:  —  My  sincere  love  in  truth  salutes  you  all.  T 
hope  my  letters  by  J.  Sotcher  are  come  to  hand  (with  others  by 
way  of  York  and  Maryland)  since  the  messenger  just  arrived 
tells  me  he  is  so  :  which  was  glad  tidings  to  me,  the  present 
danger  upon  the  seas  considered  ;  for  since  the  favorable  influ- 
ences upon  our  sea-faring  concerns  that  have  attended  this  nation 
from  the  commencement  of  the  war  to  the  return  of  our  fleet 
from  Vigo,  (after  the  battle  at  Cales,)  nothing  but  spoil  and 
havoc  upon  our  ships  have  followed.     We  have  lost  the  best 


'  [This  letter  is  from  the  Justice  MSS.  — Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  161 

part  of  two  hundred  sail  of  merchant  ships,  and  some  richly 
laden  from  Russia,  Barbadoes,  Jamaica,  and  other  parts,  among 
whom  the  Cantico  and  Mary  from  your  river  are  two,  to  my 
great  disappointment  and  strait,  so  that  I  must  call  upon  you  to 
help  me  all  you  can  with  a  supply,  and  in  order  to  do  it,  that 
those  Friends  and  inhabitants  that  subscribed  to  my  assistance 
will  pay  in  with  speed  what  remains  :  having  at  present  stemmed 
the  tide  they  feared  and  their  enemy  hoped  would  have  over- 
whelmed long  ere  this.  I  hope  by  this  New  York  packet  boat 
to  send  the  Queen's  approbation  of  Col.  Hamilton  for  a  year, 
to  commence  from  the  arrival  of  it :  which  gives  me  room  to 
work  the  rest  one  way  or  other  to  our  common  security  and 
benefit.  Your  estimate  turned  into  money,  and  well  returned, 
would  comfort  my  oppressed  spirit,  and  give  me  wings  to  fly 
over  the  deep,  with  the  Lord's  protection,  to  you  again  :  where 
I  can  truly  say  my  heart  longs  to  be ;  that  which  gives  this 
place  the  preference  and  excellency  above  our  poor  wilderness, 
being  not  the  least  motive  to  my  choice.  For  your  solitude  and 
beginning  of  the  world  there,  is  more  simple  and  retired,  and  so 
esteemed  by  me,  than  the  crowds  of  opulency  and  curiosity  which 
fill  these  parts.  My  son  you  had  had  long  ago,  but  for  the  report 
of  the  sickliness  of  the  province  and  neighborhood;  but  now 
his  poor  wife  is  within  six  weeks  of  her  time,  so  that  the  Mes- 
senger returns  without  him,  unless  something  stop  her  till  my 
daughter  is  up  again,  and  I  doubt  not  his  hastening  to  you,  for 
he  seems  inclinable  to  it ;  and  if  he  should  not  I  would  dispatch 
myself  without  delay.  In  the  meantime  I  shall  say  somewhat 
to  you  about  property  matters : 

1st.  I  desire  that  what  land  is,  or  is  to  be  taken  up  for  my  son, 
John,  or  his  grandfather,  be  so,  and  patented  forthwith. 

2d.  That  my  manors  be  returned  into  my  secretaries  Proprie- 
tary Office  with  exact  draughts  and  plans. 

3^.  That  you  hear  patiently  W.  Rakestraw's  whole  complaints 
—  I  have  in  two  letters.  I  know  his  temper  and  would  make 
him  allowances  for  it.  I  shall  send  his  letters,  and  what  in 
reason  may  be  done  for  him,  let  it  be  done :  only,  I  will  never 
part  with  the  inheritance  of  the  land  he  lived  in,  taken  up  most 

VOL.  I. — 12 


l62  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

injuriously  within  the  city  bounds  ;  but  still  be  as  bearing  as  you 
can  with  hasty  and  fretful  tempers. 

I  have  also  a  mighty  complaint  from  New  Castle  County, 
made  by  one  Brewster,  whose  letter  I  also  send  that  he  may  be 
heard  and  right  done,  for  I  will  not  have  a  double  commission, 
one  there  and  another  here  :  and  therefore  shall  refer  all  com- 
plaints to  your  examination,  and  to  hear  your  reasons  of  act- 
ing, before  I  will  do  anything  therein,  be  it  who  or  what  it  will. 

For  my  cousin  Ashton,  charity  begins  at  home,  and  though  I 
would  oblige  him,  yet  I  will  never  part  with  four  or  five  hundred 
acres  of  land,  that  is  worth  half  as  many  thousand,  to  go  but 
for  five  hundred  acres  of  his  and  this  family's  pretensions.  I 
love  him,  and  desire  your  love  and  assistance  in  it  you  can,  but 
with  regard  to  me  in  the  first  place.  If  I  had  paid  my  debts  I 
should  be  very  liberal,  but  as  the  case  stands  I  have  been  so  to 
a  fault. 

Pray  let  the  widow  Bathurst,  or  assignee,  have  the  land  laid  out 
according  to  regulations  and  customs,  which  her  honest  husband 
bought  of  me,  when  any  one  authorized  come  to  you  for  it. 

22d  of  wth-mo.,  1702. 

Just  now  is  my  packet  by  the  messenger  come  to  hand,  but 
'tis  impossible  to  take  any  notice  of  it,  because  one  came  to 
advise  me  to-day,  that  the  New  York  packet  would  be  sent  to- 
night to  Spithead,  by  which  this  is  intended  to  be  sent ;  but  R. 
James  purposes  to  sail  in  three  weeks  at  farthest,  by  whom  I 
hope  to  be  more  particular  as  to  government,  at  least. 

I  am  glad  to  learn  by  J.  Logan  that  the  land  is  like  to  be  re- 
surveyed  within  the  time.  I  desire  the  utmost  care  therein.  I  am 
debtor  to  Grif.  Owen  for  his  letter,  and  intend  him  a  response  by 
the  next  opportunity  to  our  own  country.  The  laws  lie  before 
the  Lords  in  order  to  the  Queen's  approbation.  Some  will  with 
difficulty  pass ;  to-morrow  I  shall  have  the  approbation  of  Col. 
Hamilton  to  go  by  this  opportunity,  which  is  a  substantial  dis- 
appointment of  your  enemies,  and  the  confusion  of  the  greatest 
of  villains,  (I  think,)  Col.  Q.,  whom  God  will  make,  I  believe,  in 
this  world  for  his  lies,  falsehood,  and  supreme  knavery.  I  shall 
add  no  more  now,  but  my  dear  love  to  you  and  yours,  and  all 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  163 

my  true  friends  and  truth's.    May  love,  and   fear,  and  patience 
dwell  with  you  to  the  end.    Amen. 

Your  very  affectionate  friend, 

Wm.  Penn. 
No  more  land  for  the  society  to  be  surveyed  than  the  40,000 
acres,  unless  it  be  in  lieu  of  that  in  the  Manors,  which  they  or 
I  had  not  wrife^  to  you  for  them  as  I  have  done,  a  copy  of  which 
follows.  For  I  will  not  allow  any  to  be  taken  up  in  any  of 
them,  till  we  jointly  send  about.  W.  P. 


WiLLL^M  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  20th  i2th-?no.,  1702. 

There  is  a  mighty  complaint  of  a  secret  convoy  trade,  by  an 
understanding  with  Rhode  Island,  illustrated  by  Col.  Quary 
after  his  usual  manner,  swelling  it  to  a  mighty  mountain ;  the  par- 
ticulars I  have  not,  but  because  all  must  be  known  to  thee  and 
government  that  has  any  truth  or  fact  in  it,  be  prepared  per 
next  to  advertise  me.  'Tis  like  his  swish-swash  bounces  about  the 
commissions  I  gave  T.  Fairman  and  J.  Wood,  that  he  thought 
to  shake  all  by,  which  after  all  proves  just,  and  is  approved  by 
that  very  great  man  of  the  law  they  hoped  would  have  reported 
against  me ;  why  do  you  not  run  him  for  it  and  humble  him  ? 
But  I  hope  you  will  find  a  more  learned  and  reasonable  judge, 
in  a  while  in  that  post.  Keep  clear  of  frauds,  and  punish  them 
to  their  merit :  and  all  do  well ;  but  as  some  offences  of  that 
nature  —  though  much  less  than  what  are  committed  by  other 
colonies,  more  immediately  under  the  Queen's  government  and 
cognizance  —  are  the  strength  of  our  common  enemies:  so  do 
you  watch  carefully  that  such  faults  be  either  prevented  or 
effectually  punished,  and  we  shall  do  well  enough. 

I  have  discourst  some  of  our  chiefest  ministers  upon  a  com- 
position in  which  the  ratification  of  our  constitution  and  laws  is 
the  first  article ;  what  it  will  issue  in  I  cannot  yet  give  account. 

I  was  yesterday  to  visit  .the  widow  Gwom,  who  employs  Capt. 
Hans  as  her  factor  in  the  fur  trade.  She  says  she  sends  him 
;CiOOO  worth  of  goods  at  a  time,  and  that  he  is  very  just  to  her, 


164  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1702. 

and  confesses  he  makes  good  returns,  and  that  she  makes  more 
than  cent^  sterling  per  cent,  by  them  ;  especially  of  bear-skins, 
selling  them  for  above  20  cent  sterling  per  skin.  How  happy 
should  I  be,  if  the  people  did  but,  in  lieu  of  other  maintenance, 
confine  the  Indian  trade  to  me,  which  were  nothing  out  of  their 
pockets.  Though  it  were  but  for  seven,  or  eleven  years  more 
would  still  be  better,  I  should  be  able  by  such  returns  to  clear  my 
incumbrances.  Pray  lay  this  before  the  government,  and  a  few 
of  the  best  to  be  trusted,  if  this  could  be  obtained,  for  tobaccos 
will  not  do,  since  these  twenty-fivi.  hogsheads  will  hardly  clear 
so  many  pounds. 

I  must  press  thee  to  lay  before  the  commissioners,  the  preser- 
vation of  my  trees  and  cedar  swamp,  and  black  walnut,  both 
of  Schuylkill  and  Delaware :  of  which  great  havoc  and  spoil 
have  been,  and  I  fear  is  still  but  too  much  made. 

Thou  hast  said  nothing  about  T.  Bifeld's  jury  which  Quary 
said  he  ordered  to  be  sworn,  and  Bifeld  denied  to  the  Lords  of 
Trade  and  Plantations  to  Quary's  face.  He  also  said,  the  name 
of  God  was  not  used  in  our  attestations.  An  authentic  account 
of  that  whole  proceeding,  and  J.  Moore's  most  false  allegations 
of  his  letter  of  attorney  for  a  sworn  jury,  and  an  appeal  else  for 
England,  with  an  account  of  that  trial,  as  also  the  trials  lately 
about  false  trade  in  our  civil  courts  [obliterated]  would  be  of 
signal  service  [obliterated]  they  imagine  you  will  not  right  the 
Queen  there,  or  you  might  put  the  nose  of  an  Admiralty  judge 
out  of  joint,  [obliterated.]  I  am  forced  to  break  off  here,  time 
calling  me  away,  that  none  can  refuse,  yet  if  more  fall  in  will 
improve  this  to  several  particularities.  However,  take  notice : 
1st.  I  will  have  no  lands  in  the  manors  laid  out  to  the  com- 
pany, for  my  letter  to  the  commissioners  of  property  for  them 
was  on  that  condition. 

2d.  Press  to  get  the  assembly  to  limit  the  fur  trade  [obliterated] 
to  my  assignees  or  order,  in  order  to  make  returns  instead  of 
any  levy,  excise,  or  tax  for  my  account,  if  possible. 

3<^.  Get  some  allowance  from  the  inhabitants  for  Gov.  Ham- 
ilton, now  he  is  approved  of  bv  the  Queen,  till  his  year  is  out, 
at  least  for  the  time  he  has  been  and  is  governor. 

^  [So  in  the  original. — Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  l6$ 

^  The  Lords  of  Trade  have  promised  me  to  receive  no  com- 
plaints without  the  parties  sending  them  give  them  to  the 
parties  they  are  sent  against  upon  the  spot,  for  their  answers, 
in  the  nature  of  bill  and  answer  in  chancery :  that  nobody 
may  be  murdered  in  the  dark :  a  great  reformation  and  re- 
lief, and  for  which  American  governments  owe  me  their  good 
will. 

The  money  will  be  forthwith,  by  the  Queen's  proclamation, 
reduced  to  sterling,  or  25ft)  per  cent,  at  most,  of  which  make 
the  best  use.  The  lawyers  say  the  Queen  can  do  it  here  ;  there- 
fore, here  will  add  no  more,  but  that  I  am  taken  up  with  our 
European  family  and  American  Pennsylvania  settlements,  in 
which  I  hope  to  make  something  of  the  latter.  I  wish  John  had 
upon  his  town  lot  a  small  mansion  built  for  looft  or  150ft);  it 
would  let,  and  the  rest  let  out  profitably,  saving  a  garden  platte 
and  fruit-trees.     We  are  through   mercy  well,  send  our  love  to 

^  These  Lords  appear  to  have  been  held  in  the  same  kind  of  dread 
by  the  people  of  the  Colonies  that  Sancho  expressed  for  the  holy 
Brotherhood.  In  the  memoirs  of  John  Evelyn,  Esq.,  there  is  a  curi- 
ous account  of  the  first  institution  of  the  Board  of  Trade.  They  held 
their  first  meeting  26th  May,  1671,  and  were  to  advise  and  counsel  his 
Majesty  to  the  best  of  their  abilities,  for  the  well  governing  his  foreign 
plantations,  &c.  ;  the  form  of  their  oath  little  differing  from  that  given 
to  the  Privy  Council.  The  subject  that  first  occupied  their  attention 
subsequent  events  have  rendered  very  remarkable.  I  shall  give  it  in 
the  author's  own  words :  "The  first  thing  we  did  was  to  settle  the 
form  of  a  circular  letter  to  the  governors  of  all  his  Majesty's  planta- 
tions and  territories  in  the  West  Indies  and  islands  thereof,  to  give 
them  notice  to  whom  they  should  apply  themselves  on  all  occasions, 
and  to  render  us  an  account  of  their  present  state  and  government ; 
but  what  we  most  insisted  on  was  to  know  the  condition  of  New  Eng- 
land, which  appearing  to  be  very  independent  as  to  their  regard  to 
Old  England,  or  his  Majesty ;  rich  and  strong  as  they  now  were,  there 
were  great  debates  in  what  style  to  write  to  them :  and  there  was  fear 
of  their  breaking  from  all  dependence  on  this  nation  ;  his  Majesty 
therefore  commended  this  affair  more  expressly.  We  therefore  thought 
fit  in  the  first  place  to  acquaint  ourselves  as  well  as  we  could,  of  the 
state  of  that  place,  by  some  whom  we  heard  of  that  were  newly  come 
from  thence ;  and  to  be  informed  of  their  present  posture  and  condi- 
tion ;  some  of  our  council  were  for  sending  them  a  menacing  letter, 
which  those  who  better  understand  the  peevish  and  touchy  humor  of 
that  colony,  were  utterly  against."  There  are  several  similar  articles 
in  the  work. — L. 


l66  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

all  our  friends  of  all  sorts,  particularly  the  best  affected:  and  our 
own  immediate  dependants  and  family.    I  am  thy  assured  friend, 

Wm.  Penn. 

P.  S. — I  desire  thee  by  the  Messenger  to  send  me  a  pipe,  or 
two  hogsheads  of  the  best  Madeira  wine  and  one  of  St.  George, 
for  that  barrel  I  had  of  Ed.  Shippen  has  excelled  here.  I  hope 
you  will  have  one '  out  shortly,  that  will  be  a  safer  guide  and 
surer  footing  in  law  than  ever  yet  was  with  you,  an  able-grounded 
lawyer,  and  a  good-tempered,  honest,  sober  gentleman ;  this  to 
thyself. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

2^th  i2th-mo.,  1702. 
James  Logan  —  Loved  Friend:  —  I  have  thy  packet  by  the 
Messenger,  that  per  the  Cantico,  the  Mary  being  gone  for  France, 
to  my  great  disappointment  and  straights;  nor  indeed  would 
they  have  amounted  to  the  value  thou  mentionest,  they  only 
getting  or  making  a  saving  voyage,  that  get  well  upon  English 
goods,  that  can  spare  to  lose  upon  returns  of  tobacco,  and  yet 
gain  upon  the  whole  :  for  our  tobacco  is  in  poor  request,  espe- 
cially now  the  Czar  has  broke  his  word  with  our  merchants  ; 
and  for  Logwood,  Cales,  and  Vigo  have  so  much  sunk  the  value 
of  it,  that  the  Lady  Bellamont  has  lost  £g  out  of  iJ"i5  that  it 
cost  her  per  ton.  That  by  the  first  ships  sold  pretty  well  — log- 
wood I  mean.  I  observe  thy  hint  about  my  tobaccos  to  Ham- 
burg. I  shall  pry  into  it  per  first  opportunity,  for  that  would  be 
very  unfair,  if  not  dishonest  and  fraudulent :  but  hope  it  is  a 
mistake.  Thou  must  change  thy  method  of  returns ;  I  am  sat- 
isfied that  of  flour  and  bread  and  beer  to  Barbadoes,  Virginia, 
Antigo,  Nevis,  Jamaica,  &c.,  rather  than  Barbadoes,  and  S.  V. 
says  that  way  also,  would  outdo  tobacco.  In  the  meantime  send 
me  all  the  silver  thou  canst  get  anywhere,  or  of  anything,  as 
plate,  &c.,  rather  than  leave  me  destitute ;  for  such  expenses  as 
I  am  put  to  —  and  small  presents  too  —  cannot,  with  my  family, 
be  supported  without  supplies,  and  speedy  ones  too.     I   never 

'  Mompesson. — L. 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  167 

was  so  low  and  so  reduced  :  for  Ireland,  my  old  principal  vert, 
has  hardly  any  money  ;  England  severe  to  her,  no  trade  but 
hither,  and  at  England's  mercy  for  prices,  saving  butter  and 
meat  to  Flanders  and  the  West  Indies,  that  we  must  go  and  eat 
out  half  our  rents,  or  we  cannot  enjoy  them  ;  and  I  have  great 
interest,  as  well  as  my  son's  settlement,  to  deduct  with  three  or 
four  per  sterling  pounds  tax  here,  and  twenty  to  twenty-six  per 
cent,  for  exchange  from  Ireland  to  England  to  answer.  I  there- 
fore earnestly  urge  supplies,  and  by  the  best  methods  and  least 
hazardous.  I  know  thy  ability,  doubt  not  thy  integrity  ;  I  desire 
thy  application  and  health,  and  above  all  thy  growth  in  the  feel- 
ing of  the  power  of  truth :  for  that  fits  and  helps  us  above  all 
other  things,  even  in  business  of  this  world,  clearing  our  heads, 
quickening  our  spirits,  and  giving  us  faith  and  courage  to  per- 
form. I  am  sorry  to  find  by  thine,  thou  art  so  much  oppressed 
in  thy  station,  and  wish  I  could  make  it  lighter.  If  my  son 
(whose  delay  was  from  your  sickness  and  New  York's,^  aggra- 
vated here,  and  just  now  his  wife's  being  within  six  weeks  of 
her  time)  will  apply  himself  to  business,  he  may,  by  the  authority 
of  his  relations  and  a  little  pains,  render  thy  post  easier  to  thee. 
I  know  the  baseness  of  the  temper  of  too  many  of  the  people 
thou  hast  to  do  with,  which  calls  for  judgment  and  great  tem- 
per, with  some  authority ;  but  I  hoped  that  when  gone  Ed. 
Shippen  and  Thomas  Story  would  have  been  helpful,  and  Isaac 
Norris  and  Samuel  Carpenter^  now  and  then  as  volunteers.      If 

'  I  do  not  know  that  there  was  an  epidemic  in  Philadelphia  this  year 
except  the  small-pox  ;  that  which  raged  in  New  York  is  thus  mentioned 
in  a  letter  from  Isaac  Norris  8th  gth-mo.,  1702  :  "  You  have  heard  I 
suppose  of  the  sickness  in  New  York  ;  it  was  the  same  as  here  three 
years  since  ;  some  hundreds  died  and  many  left  the  town  for  several 
weeks,  so  as  to  those  that  went  and  came  back,  (from  Boston,)  the  place 
seemed  almost  desolate." — L. 

^  Samuel  Carpenter  is  thus  mentioned  in  a  letter  of  his  friend,  Isaac 
Norris,  dated  1705  :  ''This  honest  and  valuable  man,  whose  industry 
and  improvements  have  been  the  stock  whereon  much  of  the  labors 
and  successes  of  this  country  have  been  grafted,  is  now  weary  of  it  all, 
and  resolved  (I  think  prudently)  to  wind  up  and  clear  his  incum- 
brances ;  he  has  sold  some  good  pennyworths,  as  his  dwelling-house 
by  David  Lloyd's  and  the  Coffee  House,  likewise  the  scales  (the  house 
south-east  corner  of  Walnut  and  Front  Streets) ;  is  out  of  trade  ;  lives 
at  his  plantation,  and  intends  to  sell  off  more."     His  plantation  was 


l68  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

T.  Fairman  were  of  credit  with  the  people,  he  might  help  thee  : 
he  has  capacity,  but  not  what  he  thinks.  I  must  refer  the  man- 
agement of  him  to  thee.  He  most  basely  injured  me  when 
here  by  his  suggestions  to  the  purchasers  as  he  confessed  at 
parting,  though  he  denied  it  on  board  the  Canterbury,  and  in 
righteousness  owes  me  reparation,  which  he  has  promised  me, 
and  I  have  no  scruple  of  conscience  that  it  be  made  me  at  their 
cost,  that  made  him  their  tool  for  my  abuse  and  hardship.  I 
send  a  letter  at  the  company's  request,  about  their  land,  and 
except  half  of  Gilbert's,  I  think  they  will  submit  for  the  rest  — 
and  that  is  under  consideration  too.  T.  F.'s  brother's  wife  is  a 
little  sharp  upon  him  to  me,  and  waits  for  an  afternoon  at  her 
house  upon  that  subject.  I  am  sorry  all  his  papers  will  be  inef- 
fectual, for  they  are  gone  to  France,  for  though  a  correspondence 
is  not  yet  closed,  I  hear  nothing  of  my  packet;  the  commander 
is  at  Dinant,  has  writ  for  jCs  to  me ;  it  came  three  days  ago  to 
hand,  but  have  yet  made  him  no  answer  :  I  think  I  must  fling 
good  after  bad.  No  Cartel  settled  yet.  The  newspapers  I  think 
to  send,  and  some  poems  and  pamphlets,  will  acquaint  thee  with 
the  state  of  things  both  at  home  and  abroad,  so  shall  not  load 
my  letter  with  news.  Only  Lord  Cornbury  at  council  had  the 
better  of  Atwood,^  who  has  printed  his  case  and  left  one  at  my 
lodgings ;  and  that  there  will  be  no  bill  this  year  against  us  ; 
and  I  may  add  that  the  next  year  in  Europe  is  like  to  be  the 
greatest  that  has  been  these  hundred  years  for  action. 

near,  or  at  Bristol,  on  the  Delaware,  where  he  had  made  great  im- 
provements, as  a  grist-mill,  saw-mills,  &c.,  of  which  I  have  a  letter 
giving  a  particular  account.  He  has  numerous  descendants  of  his 
name  settled  near  Salem,  in  West  Jersey.  His  son  married  one  of  the 
daughters  of  Samuel  Preston,  who  was  a  woman  of  fine  understanding 
and  great  piety.  —  L. 

'  [William  Atwood  succeeded  Abram  de  Peyster  as  Chief  Justice  of 
New  York,  and  arrived  about  August,  1701.  Lord  Cornbury  after- 
wards suspended  him  from  his  offices  of  chief  justice,  inspector  of  the 
vice-admiralty,  and  member  of  the  council.  His  suspension  as  a  coun- 
cillor was,  by  an  order  of  the  Queen  in  council,  2d  January,  1702-3, 
changed  into  a  removal.  Atwood's  "answer  to  Lord  Cornbury's 
reasons  "  for  suspending  him  are  printed  at  length,  and  reflect  severely 
upon  his  lordship.  This  is  probably  the  publication  of  the  "case" 
to  which  Penn  refers. — IF.  Docutnents  relating  to  the  Col.  Hist,  of  N.Y., 
885,  1022,  1024.  —  Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  169 

I  am  sorry  the  foolish  captain  of  the  Cantico  did  not  sink  my 
packet  as  other  ships  formerly  did  that  have  been  taken. 

Pray  mind  to  let  me  know  by  all  opportunities  Quary's  con- 
duct and  carriage  (and  Moore's)  among  you  ;  for  the  latter  I 
shall  turn  him  out  of  all  with  my  commission,  for  a  saucy  un- 
grateful fellow :  and  shall  write  to  Governor  Hamilton  about  it, 
and  if  he  refuse  to  surrender  the  records  of  his  office  of  registry, 
that  forthwith  the  Governor  order  the  proper  officers  to  seize 
and  remove  them  by  force ;  for  I  will  henceforth  make  open 
head  against  those  inveterate  villains  to  me  and  my  poor  coun- 
try. I  hope  to  furnish  you  with  a  man  of  sense  and  law  in 
a  while,  and  so  let  the  commissioners  and  the  Governor  know. 
Pray  let  Rakestraw,  Brewster,  &c.,  have  thy  care  to  answer. 
Keep  off  appeals  all  thou  canst,  or  particulars  from  vexing  me 
here,  and  things  will  do  well.  I  will  refer  all  back  to  you  again 
whoever  complains,  but  if  they  apply  to  the  Queen  it  may  be 
much  more  troublesome,  as  the  old  Spaniard,  of  whom  I  have 
nothing  from  thee,  as  to  my  conduct  and  the  trouble  tO'  issue  this 
matter,  and  wish  for  the  minutes  and  history  of  it  well  attested 
with  what  speed  may  be,  and  where  I  left  it  and  the  business 
pitch'd  and  pinch't. 

I  could  wish  the  officers  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia  would  be 
more  careful  not  to  strive  nor  strain  points  to  make  their  char- 
ter more  than  it  truly  means,  and  so  a  burden  to  the  county  and 
the  government;  for  if  they  take  that  course,  I  shall  inquire 
into  it,  and  put  a  period  thereunto,  as  lawyers  tell  me  here  I 
may  very  easily  do,  and  the  government  here  would  countenance 
the  attempt.  I,  therefore,  desire  an  accommodation  may  be 
found  out  to  ease  the  controversy  between  town  and  county. 

Wm.  Hall,  of  Salem,  writes  to  me  for  ampler  power  about 
my  concerns  there,  which  you  have  and  can  give  him,  of  which 
I  wrote  to  thee  some  time  ago :  pray  mind  it. 

I  have  had  two  nameless  letters  from  your  parts,  or  Boston  ; 
the  last  was  from  Philadelphia,  intimating  a  quarrel  between 
Col.  Quary's  wife  and  Thomas  Jones,  master  of  the  Society's 
ship,  and  that  he  is  both  able  and  willing,  if  secured  his  wages, 
viz.  £yo  or  thereabouts ;  that  he  is  gone  to  Boston  and  there 
might  be  treated  with.     I  would  have  thee  write,  and  get  his 


170  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702. 

relations  of  that  place  to  write,  to  Daniel  Zachary  to  inquire 
after  him,  and  secure  him  his  wages  on  my  account,  to  get  the 
truth  out  of  him.  If  Quary's  knavery  to  the  company  were  known, 
'twould  blacken  him  here  in  his  surveyorship,  and  render  it 
easier  for  me  to  get  him  discarded;  for  if  I  live  I  will,  and  shall 
be  able  to  do  it. 

This  year  the  customs  upon  goods  from  Pennsylvania  amount 
to  ;^8,ooo,  the  year  I  arrived  there  ;^  1,699,  t>ut  to  ;^  1,500  at  the 
most ;  a  good  argument  for  me  and  the  poor  country.  It  has 
a  greater  regard  here,  and  made  the  care  of  an  officer,  as  well 
as  Virginia  and  Maryland,  at  the  custom-house ;  New  York  not 
the  half  of  it. 

But,  O  that  we  had  a  fur-trade  instead  of  a  tobacco  one,  and 
that  thou  wouldst  do  all  that  is  possible  to  master  furs  and 
slcins  for  me,  but  bears  more  especially ;  thou  sent  me  two  or 
three  chest  of  them :  I  could  have  sold  them  almost  for  what  I 
would,  i6sh.,  aye  20sh.  a  skin  at  this  juncture;  and  thou  prom- 
ised me  two  if  not  three  chests  in  thy  last  packet.  I  earnestly 
press  thee  upon  this  one  point,  as  thou  desirest  to  assist  me  in 
the  readiest  and  surest  way.  I  hope  thou  mindest  my  land, 
especially  where  the  wood  carrier  and  seller  by  Ed.  Shippen's 
used  to  cut  down  my  wood,  to  stop  his  further  mischief,  and 
that  my  purchase  of  W.  Southby  goes  not  to  decay,  for  my  eye, 
though  not  my  heart  is  upon  poor  Fairmount,^  unless  the  un- 
worthiness  of  some  spirits  in  the  town  drive  me  up  to  Penns- 
bury  or  Susquehannah  for  good  and  all.  God  will  in  his  time 
rebuke  their  baseness.  Also  the  50,000  acres  of  land  that 
belonged  to  Sir  John,  now  to  Sir  Robert  Ffagg,^  that  it  be  taken 
up  as  I  ordered  when  there,  and  if  that  taken  up  by  T.  F.  in 
Chester  County  and  New  Castle  will  answer  it,  pray  let  it ;  else 
I  am  content  that  the  one  half  at  least  be  taken  up  at  this  new 
discovery  of  T.  Fairman's,  if  his  swan  do  not  prove  a  goose, 
[obliterated.]     That  business  depending  between  W.  Biddle  and 

'  See  the  old  map  of  Holme.  It  was  in  the  manor  of  Springetsburg, 
in  the  Northern  Liberties.  I  take  it  to  be  the  place  now  called  Lemon 
Hill,  the  seat  of  Henry  Pratt,  Esq.  —  L. 

"  [In  Chester  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  still  known  as  Fagg's 
manor.  — Editor.] 


1702.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I71 

me  should  come  to  some  issue  while  I  am  here  ;  and  I  wish 
Samuel  Jenning's  memory  is  not  decayed,  and  that  Gov.  Ham- 
ilton does  not  lean  too  much  that  way ;  but  my  Cousin  Mark- 
ham  can't  forget  the  agreement  that  they,  son  and  daughter, 
should  have  their  lives  in  half  of  it,  and  then  to  revert  to  me  ; 
and  that  their  half  should  be  from  end  to  end  on  their  side  the 
river,  and  that  next  Pennsbury  to  belong  to  me ;  try  a  fair  issue 
on  that  side  the  water,  and  if  can  end  it  there,  do :  else  I  can 
best  issue  it  while  here  myself,  and  I  lay  great  weight  upon  it ; 
note  that  Friends  on  your  side  forbade  them  buying  it;  'twas  out 
of  rule  attempted  by  her  with  our  Indians,  to  treat  with  them 
for  what  we  claimed,  without  leave.  She  was  forbade  by  Coh 
Markham,  then  my  deputy  governor,  so  that  she  arbitrarily  and 
clandestinely  or  surreptitiously  —  she,  Sarah  Biddle  —  obtained 
possession.     That  in  James  Harrison's^  time,  stock  was  put  on 

it :  pray  mind  it.     I  hope  my  son  will  contribute  to  it 

[obliterated.]  ....  (The  rest  of  the  letter  is  wanting.) 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

1702. 

[Extracts  from  a  decayed  letter  which  appears  to  belong  to  this  period. '\ 
Speaking  of  his  son  who  was  then  preparing  to  embark  for 
Pennsylvania,  he  says :  Immediately  take  him  away  to  Penns- 
bury, and  there  give  him  the  true  state  of  things,  and  weigh 
down  his  levities,  as  well  as  temper  his  resentments,  and  inform 
his  understanding,^  since  all  depends  upon  it,  as  well  for  his 
future  happiness,  as  in  measure  your  poor  country's.     I  propose 

'  Father-in-law  to  Phineas  Pemberton  :  they  were  settled  near  the 
Falls  of  Delaware,  upon  the  first  arrival  of  Wm.  Penn.  — L. 

''William  Penn,  Jr.,  is  thus  characterized  in  a  letter  of  Samuel  Pres- 
ton's to  his  friend,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  in  Jamaica :  "  Our  young  land- 
lord,to  say  true,  in  my  judgment, discovers  himself  his  father's  eldest  son ; 
his  person,  his  sweetness  of  temper,  and  elegance  of  speech,  are  no  small 
demonstrations  thereof.  But  I  wish  him  more  of  his  zeal,  and  so  leave 
the  subject."  Possibly  the  father's  absence  in  Pennsylvania  had  caused 
the  young  gentleman's  education  to  have  been  less  guarded  than  it 
otherwise  would  have  been.  —  L. 


1/2  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1702-3. 

Governor  Hamilton,  S.  Carpenter,  I.  Norris,  Young  Shippen, 
and  your  easiest  and  most  sensible  and  civilized,  for  his  conver- 
sation ;  and  I  hope  Col.  Markham,  and  Cousin  Ashton,  and  the 
Fairmans  may  come  in  for  a  share ;  but  the  first  chiefly. 
Watch  him,  out-wit  him,  and  honestly  overreach  him,  for  his 
good;  fishing,  little  journeys,  (as  to  see  the  Indians,)  &c.,  will 
divert  him ;  and  pray  Friends  to  bear  all  they  can,  and  melt 
towards  him,  at  least  civilly  if  not  religiously.  He  will  confide 
in  thee.  If  S.  Carpenter,  R.  Hill,  and  Is.  Norris  could  gain  his 
confidence,  and  honest  and  tender  G.  Owen,  not  the  least  likely, 
(for  he  feels  and  sees,)  I  should  rejoice.  Pennsylvania  has  cost 
me  dearer  in  my  poor  child  than  all  other  considerations.  The 
Lord  pity  and  save  in  his  great  love,  I  yet  hope.  I  have  writ 
to  Governor  Hamilton,  which  deliver,  and  inclosed  the  Queen's 
approbation,  which  if  not  upon  the  spot  open  and  read,  and  send 
an  express  for  him  that  he  may  feel  life  in  his  duty.  I  would 
also  have  Col.  Markham  have  the  registry  and  probate  of  wills, 
but  let  the  records  lie  as  they  do,  that  you  may  see  I  dare  reward 
that  base  man^  according  to  his  villany,  and  I  will  not  have 
thee  pay  him  one  penny  more,  let  what  will  be  due,  as  attorney- 
general,  which  will  be  in  the  hands  of  another  shortly,  from 
hence,  and  in  the  meantime,  if  Moore  flings  up,  constitute  who 
you  will.  (I  mean  the  Governor's  council.)  Give  Judge  Guest's 
letter  as  he  deserves,  'tis  kind  and  encouraging,  for  I  hope  you 
will  in  a  while  see  cause  more  and  more;  one  thing  at  a  time, 
the  carrier's  pace  is  safest. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 
l^Extract.']  Philadelphia,  ^d  ist-mo.,  1702-3. 

[The  first  part  of  this  letter,  Mrs.  Logan  remarks,  relates  to 
Lumbey's  papers,  the  answers  to  Quary's  charges,  minutes  of 
council,  &c.     He  then  proceeds:] 

We  believe  here  that  the  business  of  the  Lords  for  Trade,  &c., 
especially  relating  to  those  charges,  is  long  ago  over.     Thou 

'  David  Lloyd.  —  L. 


1702-3.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  173 

having  removed  the  whole  to  another  board,  and  that  no  answer 
from  hence  would  be  so  effectual  as  thy  personal  appearance 
and  defence  there,  and,  therefore,  that  the  cause  will  not  suffer 
by  this  omission.  However,  I  was  resolved  to  pursue  it,  and 
faithfully  discharge  my  part:  in  which  I  hope  I  shall  be  believed. 
An  address  to  the  Queen  was  thought  would  come  too  late, 
and  be  attended  also  with  several  inconveniences,  as  well  as 
others.  The  motion  was  mine,  as  I  wrote  before,  and  the  Gov- 
ernor much  favored  it,  but  we  have  not  all  the  happiness  to 
concur  in  what  might  make  for  our  advantage.  I  mention  not 
this,  nor  the  preceding,  through  any  self-complacency,  but  to 
acquit  myself 

Governor  Hamilton  left  us  last,  about  the  20th  of  y"  iith- 
month,  and  has  since  been  seized  —  at  Amboy,  where  his  family 
has  wintered  —  with  a  violent  fever,  which  has  held  hjm  some 
weeks,  and  for  some  days  his  life  was  despaired  of,  but  by  the 
last  post,  his  son  writes  that  Dr.  Johnson  assures  them  the  worst 
is  over,  though  he  cannot  perceive  it  by  any  recovery  of  strength. 

In  Sussex  and  Kent  they  have  had  a  mortal  distemper:  more 
fatal,  'tis  affirmed,  than  that  of  York  last  year,  or  of  Philadelphia 
in  1699 ;  it  reigned  most  of  the  winter,  but  is  now  happily  over. 
The  small-pox  has  been  favorable  in  all  these  parts :  only  in 
Bucks,  where  it  has  continued  all  winter,  it  has  been  more 
severe ;  the  three  Yardleys  are  all  dead  of  it,  with  several 
others:  but  it  is  mostly  going  off  We  have  been  clear  of  it  these 
six  months,  and  since  the  agues  and  fevers,  which  were  epidemi- 
cal, left  us,  we  have  been,  and  through  mercy  continue  healthy. 

I  am  this  month  forming  an  exact  rent-roll  for  the  city,  which 
I  hope  in  time  will  be  complete  and  regular  for  every  lot  in  the 
precinct.  I  measure  every  foot  of  it  with  my  own  hands,  as  I 
go  along,  and  shall  proceed  to  the  province  as  regularly,  if  pos- 
sible ;  but  the  scarcity  of  money  and  the  waywardness  of  some 
people  make  things  difficult;  it  cannot,  however,  be  completed 
till  all  the  re-surveys  are  settled,  which  is  a  work  of  inconceiv- 
able trouble  and  difficulty. 

I  hope  in  the  province  and  county  of  New  Castle  nothing  will 
slip  us.  The  whole  burden  of  that  now  lies  on  me,  there  being 
no  surveyor-general.     Bucks  is  in  good  forwardness,  and  hope 


174  PEXN   AND   LOGAN  [1702-3. 

will  be  finished  this  summer;  in  this  county  we  have  two,  be- 
tween Chester  and  New  Castle  three  surveyors,  but  doubt  I  must 
add  another;  but  for  the  two  lower  counties  I  can  promise 
nothing:  neither  surveyors  nor  chain-carriers  will  go  thither. 
I  have  done  all  I  can  with  one  present  surveyor  there :  but  he 
is  slack  and  cannot  have  chain-carriers.  The  business  is 
everywhere  troublesome,  through  the  refractory  humor  of  the 
people  in  refusing  to  assist,  or  show  their  lines,  but  there  the 
most  of  any.  The  most  suspicious  tracts,  however,  I  hope  will 
be  tried :  but  the  greatest  part  will  be,  I  doubt,  neglected. 

Philadelphia,  of  the  province,  is  the  most  troublesome.  T. 
Fairman  has  been  ill  or  weak  all  the  fall  and  winter,  but  is  now 
coming  abroad  again  :  he  meddles  not  with  re-surveys. 

Col.  Quary  carries  it  now,  as  formerly,  with  less  distinction 
than  at  his  arrival ;  he  endeavors  to  make  himself  popular,  and 
Col.  Nicholson  bolsters  up  his  vanity  by  sending  him  expresses 
upon  all  occasions,  which,  with  no  small  elevation,  he  vouch- 
safes to  communicate  to  the  expecting  crowd  at  the  Coffee  House, 
or  elsewhere,  as  it  may  best  serve  to  aggrandize  him.  From 
him  we  had  the  more  certain  news  of  the  action  at  Vigo,^  with 
a  list  of  the  French  ships  destroyed  there,  which  was  received 
\<^ith  a  bonfire,  &c.,  but  since  have  had  the  mortification  to  hear 
by  way  of  Portugal  and  Boston  that  most  of  the  plate  was  ui^- 
loaded  out  of  the  gallions,  and  carried  away  before  our  fleea 
entered  that  bay. 

The  Colonel  embraces  all  opportunities  of  ingratiating  him- 
.self  with  our  friends  as  well  as  others,  but  will  not  find  his 
account  by  it.  Some  few  times  I  accidentally  fell  into  young 
Dr.  Cox's  company,  who  carries  himself  here  as  a  most  singu- 
larly good-natured  gentleman,  and  is  of  a  polite  education ; 
upon  his  invitation  I  was  lately  drinking  a  glass  with  him  at  the 
White  Hart,  on  a  yth-day  evening,  of  which.  Col.  Quary  hear- 
ing by  J.  Moore,  who  saw  us  there,  came  and  joined  himself  to 

'  [In  Galicia,  Spain,  surprised  by  the  English  and  Dutch  fleets,  Oc- 
tober 12,  1702,  in  which  the  Spanish  flota  was  captured,  and  with  it  a 
considerable  amount  of  specie.  The  Duke  of  Ormond  distinguished 
himself,  and  the  success  of  the  assailants  silenced,  says  Belsham,  "  the 
clamors  occasioned  by  the  previous  miscarriage  at  Cadiz." — Editor.] 


1702-3.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  175 

us,  and  after  him,  Moore  also,  without  invitation.  Quary  was 
familiar  and  pleasant,  with  much  smoothness:  but  I  gave  him 
as  many  close  rubs  as  I  could  have  opportunity,  without  rudeness, 
which  makes  him  look  rather  more  asquint  than  before.  Thomas 
Story  and  myself,  by  the  advice  of  some  others,  about  two 
months  ago  waited  on  him,  at  his  house,  to  consult  about  the 
trial  of  a  captain  of  a  vessel,  who  is  impeached  for  murdering 
some  of  his  men  at  sea,  for  which  no  law  of  ours  provides;  and 
therefore  it  was  thought  proper  that  he  should  be  tried  by  28 
Henry  VIII.,  appointing  a  commission  to  be  issued  under  the 
broad  seal  directed  to  the  admiral  or  judge,  with  other  persons, 
to  be  nominated  —  as  I  remember  —  by  the  chancellor:  on  this 
statute,  he  told  us,  he  concurred  with  us,  as  he  must  be  tried : 
and  would  be  very  ready  to  serve  the  Queen  and  country  in  that, 
or  any  other  thing  where  he  was  empowered,  but  at  the  same 
time  must  have  that  regard  for  himself  as  to  act  safely.  If  we 
would  is.sue  a  commission  of  sufficient  authority  that  would  in- 
demnify him,  he  would  act  readily,  thinking  it  his  duty  :  but 
while  Col.  Hamilton  was  not  yet  approved  of,  he  conceived  he 
could  not  be  the  man,  and  therefore  must  be  excused.  On  this 
a  council  was  called,  but  no  method  could  be  concluded  on- 
some  were  of  opinion  he  should  be  tried  by  the  late  Act  and 
commission  for  trying  of  pirates ;  but  either  way  we  were  found 
impotent,  for  on  the  one  hand  the  judge  of  the  Admiralty  would 
not  act,  the  governor  not  being  approved,  and  on  the  other  we 
have  not  an  original  commission  to  publish  in  the  court,  as  that 
Act  requires,  only  a  copy  from  Maryland,  which  is  not  sufficient, 
there  being  no  exemplification  sent  hither  under  the  great  seal 
from  England,  which  is  requisite,  and  which  for  the  safety  and 
ease  of  this  government  should  by  all  means  be  procured.  I 
send  the  minute  of  that  day,  and  request  thy  answer  to  it ;  being 
of  great  importance,  for  a  considerable  voyage,  I  doubt,  is 
wholly  ruined  by  it. 

There  being  several  criminals  in  our  prison  here,  some  for 
murder,  &c..  Judge  Guest,  last  provincial  court,  avoided  bring- 
ing them  to  a  trial,  being  unwilling  to  venture  on  such  capital 
offences,  without  real  jurors,  and  therefore  proposed  a  special 
commission  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  and  general  gaol  delivery 


\j6  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [l702--3. 

to  try  them,  all  by  swearers,  according  to  the  law  of  England, 
which  at  length,  after  several  objections  and  hesitations,  was 
issued  and  accepted,  for  though  he  proposed  he  stood  long  off 
again,  but  care  was  taken  by  some  here  to  prevent  their  acting. 
I  send  a  copy  of  the  record,  a  minute  of  council  relating  to  it, 
and  a  letter  of  George  Lowther,  whom  I  have  mentioned  before, 
giving  a  more  particular  account  of  the  whole,  he  being  chiefly 
concerned  for  most  of  the  prisoners.  'T  was  wrote  to  Gov.  Ham- 
ilton, then  very  sick,  but  unknown  to  us,  by  a  relation  of  R. 
French,  recommending  him  to  the  governor  as  a  fit  person  to 
succeed  J.  Wood,  who  is  about  to  leave  New  Castle.  He,  Low- 
ther, has  lately  been  in  the  lower  counties,  where  he  is  in  favor, 
and  has  been  instrumental  in  making  them  more  regular.  Sus- 
sex and  Kent,  especially  the  first,  are  as  orderly  as  ever  in  their 
courts  ;  New  Castle  not  so  well.  There,  most  of  the  old  jus- 
tices are  turned  out  of  necessity,  and  the  new  ones,  such  as  Jas. 
Coults,  Rowlof  de'  Haes,  Isaac  Goodin,  George  Hogg,  Charles 
Springer,  are  but  raw.  Robert  French  and  Cantwell  will  not 
act,  though  the  first  is  not  ill-affected  ;  the  chief  thing  that  dis- 
turbs those  people  in  all  the  three  counties,  is  our  refusing  to  grant 
lands  at  the  old  rent,  which  chiefly  induces  them  to  wish  them- 
selves under  the  crown;  our  governor  is  rather  more  esteemed 
by  the  generality  there,  and  J  question  whether  any  other  would 
have  been  so  easily  owned. 

This  week  I  have  been  at  Bucks  court,  the  fourth  time,  to 
attend  Thomas  Revel's  suit  against  Joseph  Growdon,  on  behalf 
of  J.  Tatham,  for  that  overplus  land  thou  sold  him,  but  we  can- 
not bring  it  to  a  trial.  Sometimes  the  court  has  on  a  sudden 
been  adjourned  to  prevent  it,  and  sometimes  other  difficulties 
raised  ;  but  now  David  Lloyd's  tender  conscience  will  not  suffer 
him  to  plead  in  it,  because,  he  must  of  necessity,  if  he  do,  own 
a  fiction  in  the  declaration,  it  being  by  ejectment,  which  pre- 
vails with  that  court,  and  therefore  we  must  take  some  other 
frivolous  method,  as  trespass,  &c.'  But  David's  conscience  was 
tough  enough  last  Philadelphia  court  to  plead  "  non  est  factum 
tcstatoris"  against  James  Claypoole's  bond,  which  I  put  in  suit, 
and  has  now  hung  there  for  five  courts  past,  and  will  be  quashed,  I 

'  See  page  222. 


1702-3]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I77 

doubt,  at  last,  for  want  of  the  ''factum;''  we  sued  at  Francis 
Cook's  own  request,  but  David  Lloyd  soon  taught  him  better 
things :  both  his  and  our  intention  was,  at  first,  only  that  he 
should  be  indemnified,  being  but  an  administrator;  but  now  the 
point  is  turned  against  us. 

In  the  last  monthly  meeting  but  one  of  this  place,  a  scandal- 
ous libel  was  brought  against  the  commissioners,  presented  by 
Robert  Heath,  near  Frankford,  and  introduced  by  some  Friends, 
first  appointed  according  to  method  to  inspect  it :  calling  us 
pretended  Quakers,  and  inveighed  sharply  against  Griffith  Owen, 
who  was  not  then  there ;  the  subject  of  the  complaint  was,  that 
he  could  not  have  the  lots  due  to  him  in  right  of  Thomas  Wool- 
rich's  purchase  of  '^,  and  for  things  of  that  kind,  threats  of 
being  sued,  or  compelled  to  a  compliance,  are  grown  familiar  to 
us,  so  that  we  use  the  utmost  caution  to  act  nothing  but  what  is 
strictly  according  to  law;  but  many  are  exceeding  trouble- 
some, and  I  must  say  that  their  importunity  for  what  they  think 
their  right,  especially  liberty  land,  or  lots  where  there  is  none, 
or  scarce  any  to  be  had,  front  lots  especially,  and  the  remem- 
brance of  the  blame  our  predecessors  have  bore  for  their  com- 
pliance in  such  cases,  are  as  two  stones  that  grind  and  crush  us 
beyond  patience  or  enduring  ;  'tis  exceeding  hard  to  be  exposed, 
as  of  necessity  we  must  often  be,  beyond  the  possibility  of  pleas- 
ing, perhaps  on  either  side  ;  but  if  on  thine  we  are  unsuccessful, 
I  am  sure  we  are  unhappy. 

In  Heath's  case,  the  paper  was  rejected  by  the  meeting,  and 
Griffith  Owen  required  satisfaction  for  the  abuses  put  upon  us, 
but  principally  on  himself,  which  in  some  measure  he  had  from 
those  that  introduced  the  complainant :  but  his  chief  advantage 
was  rather  that  Heath  had  been  scurrilous  in  some  papers  he 
had  given  in  to  us  before.  However,  we  can  find  no  such  lots 
for  him  as  he  wants,  nor  for  several  others,  and  I  doubt  no  lib- 
erty land  for  H.  Child  and  Abdiah  Taylor.  After  much  clamor  by 
Daniel  Falkner  and  his  brother  we  have  granted  B.  Furley  fifty 
acres  in  the  liberties,  in  right  of  his  purchase  of  5,000,  but  he 
will  apply  we  believe  for  the  rest  and  the  lots,  which  as  yet  we 
cannot  grant  him.  I  wish  thou  hadst  been  pleased  to  mention 
something  of  the  Octoraroe  settlement ;  they  are  proceeding  to 

VOL.  I. —  13 


178  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1702-3. 

settle   there ;    we   are   securing    there   a  tract    of   considerable 
extent  for  thee,  &c. 

Thomas  Story  has  applied  to  the  rest  of  us  for  about  a  thou- 
sand acres  of  land  which  thou  wast  pleased  to  grant  him  by  a 
patent  under  the  lesser  seal  in  1700,  situate  above  Highlands/ 
but  all  that  land  is  granted  away  to  others  long  ago,  there  hav- 
ing been  no  survey  made  there,  and  no  surveyor  privy  to  it. 
We  have  referred  it  to  thee,  and  request  thy  answer,  as  also 
about  the  other  minutes  sent  by  J.  Sotcher.  He  also  insists  on 
a  grant  of  the  lO.OOO  acres  to  Jos.  Pike,  with  a  reservation  of  but 
one-fifth  of  royal  mines  fore-prized  by  the  King  in  his  charter, 
thou  having  granted  all  royalties  away,  he  says,  in  the  deed 
signed  by  thee  jointly  with  Vincent,  to  the  said  Pike,  for  that 
tract,  which  also  much  wants  thy  answer,  for  Thomas  and  I 
have  been  high  upon  it.  He  first  drew  the  rough  draft  of  the 
grant,  after  which  T.  Grey  copying,  reserved  but  one-fifth  in 
the  engrossment,  which  I  afterwards  ordered  to  be  altered  in 
pursuance  of  thy  orders  to  me,  for  I  spoke  to  thee  both  in 
Thomas's  hearing,  and  by  thyself  about  it :  whether  T.  Grey 
altered  it  before  thou  signed  it,  or  after,  I  am  wholly  ignorant : 
but  it  was  done,  and  I  have  been  more  hardly  treated  about  it, 
than  I  think  is  fit  to  mention  here. 

The  chief  of  the  lands  we  have  sold  are  in  New  Castle  Countv 
and  some  part  of  Rockland  thrown  into  Chester  County  by  the 
late  line.  The  prices,  I  believe,  are  not  amiss,  but  the  pay  will 
not  answer  through  the  scarcity  of  money,  which  obliges  one  to 
throw  up  again.  Wheat  at  4  and  4  and  6d.,  and  can  scarce  find 
buyers. 

[Then  follow  long  details  respecting  trade  and  returns,  and  he 
adds  :]  I  am  involved  in  difficulties  which  cannot  so  well  be 
judged  of  at  a  distance,  and  thy  interest  is  a  charge,  more  im- 
mediately an  incumbent  charge  on  me  than  any  other,  which 
still  forces  me  to  renew  my  wishes  for  thy  presence  again,  for 
it  would  in  many  cases  greatly  befriend  thee,  nor  can  I  be  afraid 
of  my  master's  eye.     1  know  'tis  impossible  now  to  give  .satis- 

'  The  manor  of  Highlands  was  in  Bucks  County,  considerably  above 
Pennsbury  on  the  Delaware;  Vincent's  tract  was  on  the  Schuylkill. — L. 


1702-3.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  1/9 

faction,  but  a  personal  witness  would  excuse  tne  failures  because 
of  their  necessity. 

I  design  next  month  for  Conostogoe,  God  willing,  to  treat 
with  the  Indians  there,  and  confirm  them;  for  we  have  many 
flying  reports  about  the  attempts  of  the  French  to  debauch  all ; 
and  Harry  has  never  here  since  he  went  to  the  Onondagoes  last 
year,  though  he  solemnly  promised  to  return  this  way. 

G.  Keith,^  on  the  5th  instant,  had  a  public  dispute  with  him- 
self, according  to  his  way,  in  Whitpain's  great  house  :  he  de- 
claimed a  very  little  time,  I  think  not  an  hour,  and  to  less  pur- 
pose;  his  business  was  to  expose,  &c.,  but  his  chief  success  that 
way  was,  'tis  thought,  upon  himself  He  sent  his  challenges,  as 
thou  wilt  find  by  a  copy  of  one  of  them  inclosed,  to  the  persons 
mentioned  to  each  one,  but  forgot  as  he  said  afterwards  to  sign 
them,  till  about  ii  of  the  clock  that  day  he  was  to  appear  he 
sent  the  original  to  be  shown  to  them,  under  his  hand,  but  being 
brought  to  Thomas  Story  he  prevented  its  further  journey. 
None  appeared  but  Wm.  Southby  to  answer  a  calumny,  as  I  am 
informed,  raised  against  him,  and  soon  withdrew.  Those  called 
Keithians  here,  as  John  Hart,  I.  Wilson,  Jno.  McComb,  &c.,  are 
his  great  opponents,  and  in  short  in  this  place  his  execution  has 
been  exceeding  small. 


*  George  Keith  had  been  a  minister  in  the  Society  of  Friends,  but 
upon  some  affront  left,  and  afterwards  vilified  them  all  in  his  power  : 
owing  to  parties  of  the  times,  he  was  too  much  encouraged  at  first,  by 
some  others  ;  but  afterwards  became  insignificant,  and  died  dissatisfied 
with  himself  for  the  part  he  had  acted.  — L. 

Note.  —  There  is  a  passage  in  Bishop  Burnet's  History  of  his  own  Times,  published 
anno  1700,  respecting  George  Kcitli  and  liis  accusation  of  the  Society  of  Quakers, 
which  strongly  savors  of  the  bishop's  prejudices  against  them  and  their  distinguished 
meml^er,  Wm.  Penn.  He  says  that  George  Keith  received  his  education  at  Aber- 
deen, at  the  same  time  that  he  himself  was  a  student  there,  and  that  he  was  a  master 
of  languages,  especially  the  Oriental  ones,  philosophy  and  mathem.atics ;  and  that 
after  thirty  years'  membership  with  the  Quakers,  he  was  sent  by  the  Society  to  Penn- 
sylvania, (a  colony  set  up  by  Penn,  where  they,  the  Quakers,  are  very  numerous,)  to 
have  the  chief  direction  of  the  education  of  their  youth.  Here  he  wrote  a  defence 
of  them  against  the  allegations  of  Cotton  Mather,  which  was  observed  afterwards  to 
be  as  good  an  answer  to  his  own  subsequent  publications  as  could  be  desired.  Soon 
after  this  meeting  in  Philadelphia  mentioned  in  the  above  letter,  he  went  to  Eng- 
land, where  still  appearing  as  a  Quaker,  he  endeavored  to  injure  them  all  in  his 
power,  till  sinking  into  insignificance,  he  reconciled  himself  to  the  Church  and  took 
holy  orders;  but,  I  believe,  did  not  effect  much  of  the  good  which  the  bishop 
anticipated  "  in  undeceiving  and  reclaiming  some  of  those,  he  calls,  misled  en- 
thusiasts."—  L. 


l8o  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1702-3. 

1  received  an  answer  from  Daniel  Zachary  with  the  inclo^etl 
certificate,  under  the  prize  officer's  hand.  He  is  now,  'tis  thought, 
on  his  journey  hither  with  his  wife,  in  order  to  be  laid  in  here 
of  her  second  child,  from  whence,  perhaps,  it  may  be  difficult  to 
draw  her  away  :  a  no  small  unhappiness,  should  it  prove  so,  to 
the  interest  of  Friends  in  that  colony.  I  have  laid  at  Isaac 
Norris's  these  three  weeks  past,  who  with  his  wife-  gives  thee 
their  tender  love,  and  heartiest  respects,  with  all  thine,  as  also  H. 
Hill,  her  husband,  &c.  Samuel  Carpenter  is  upon  a  great  pro- 
ject in  Bucks,  of  building  saw-mills,  and  making  all  other  con- 
veniences for  shipping,  which  by  their  freight,  'tis  hoped,  will 
be  the  best  returns,  if  sent  abroad  to  Maryland  to  be  loaded. 
They  are  talking  of  a  ship  to  cany  7  or  800  hogsheads  of 
tobacco,  which  at  ^12  or  ;^I4  per  ton  will  make  between  two 
and  three  thousand  pounds  freight  home,  if  loaded  from  Chesa- 
peake, and  may  afterwards  be  worth  ;^8oo  or  i^  1,000  there,  and 
need  not  cost  here  above  ;^3,000,  if  built  at  the  best  hand,  with 
materials  from  England,  as  cables,  rigging,  &c.  If  it  go  on  I 
shall  advise  further. 

I  mention  not  Mr.  William  here  because  we  expect  to  see  him 
before  this  comes  to  hand.  Many  have  been  very  apprehensive 
of  a  sickly  summer  because  of  the  openness  and  warmth  of  the 
winter,  and  the  small-pox  hovering  around  us  all  the  season, 
which  is  often  observed  to  leave  an  infection  ;  but  this  town  was 
happily  cleared  of  it  before  the  fall  came,  and  the  sharpness  of 
this  month  with  us,  and  many  north-westers  of  late,  'tis  hoped 
will  have  better  effects.  In  Staten  Island  and  some  other  places 
about  New  York,  there  is  a  great  mortality,  but  the  city  healthy. 

I  send  a  copy  of  thy  commission  to  P.  Parmiter,  to  show  he 
was  not  made  directly  attorney  for  the  crown.  The  first  part 
of  the  minutes  of  council  I  have  digested  better  in  my  own 
hand.  There  is  coming  about  ten  ton  of  logwood  more  by 
Puckle  and  the  Experiment;  they  sail  in  about  six  weeks,  also 
some  tobacco,  &c.  J.  Sotcher's  wife  has  a  fine  girl,  named  Han- 
nah, six  weeks  old.  With  all  due  respects  and  service  to  thyself 
and  family,  I  am  thy  most  faithful  J.  L. 

The  commissioners  will  write  jointly,  I  suppose,  per  next  op- 
portunity.—  L. 


1703]  CORRESPONDENCE.  18I 

1703. 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  ist  id-mo.,  1703. 

I  have  writ  at  large  six  sheets  if  not  seven,  and  sent  by  R. 
Mompesson,  Esq.,  to  which  refer  thee.  I  here  inclose  Randall 
Janney's  bond  for  two  of  his  best  servants  :  one  a  carpenter,  the 
other  an  husbandman,  that  the  out-houses  in  part  may  be  per- 
fected within,  and  a  moderate  stable  built  for  eight  or  ten  horses, 
and  a  shelter  for  cattle  or  sheep  near  the  barn,^  as  formerly,  to 
which  I  refer  to  J.  Sotcher.  Yaff  is  also  gone,  in  the  room  of 
one  that  can't  go  for  weakness,  and  I  have  resolved  after  four 
years  faithful  service  he  shall  be  free.  Yet  I  have  left  it  to  him 
to  return,  if  he  may,  passage  free  (which  he  will  more  than 
deserve  in  any  ship)  in  the  Messenger.  Nay,  I  leave  it  for 
him  to  return  from  Deal  if  he  will.  Thou  art  to  allow  R.  Jan- 
ney  nothing  for  him,  that  goes  into  the  ^20  for  the  other  two; 
also,  he  wants  three  of  his  complement,  and  must  have  paid  as 
much  had  he  not  gone ;  besides,  I  have  otherwise  been  kind  to 
him.  Yaff  is  an  able  planter  and  good  husbandman,  and  prom- 
ises fair,  and  Samuel  has  but  one  year  more  to  serve,  I  think, 
by  my  note,  if  he  has  served  well.  I  hope  Randall  carries  a 
hat  for  Edward  Shippen  of  a  mayoral  size :  I  ordered  one  for 
him 

See  if  the  town  would  be  so  kind  to  build  me  a  pretty  box 
like  Ed.  Shippen's,  upon  any  of  my  lots  in  town  or  liberty  land, 
or  purchase  Griffith  Owen's,  or  T.  Fairman's,^  or  any  near  healthy 
spot,  as  Wicaco  or  the  like,  for  Pennsbury  will  hardly  accommo- 
date my  son's  family  and  mine,  unless  enlarged.  Let  what  is 
there  be  kept  up,  but  only  substantial  improvements  to  be  how 
followed.     I  should  like  fruit  at  the  distance  of  forty  or  fifty 

^  At  Pennsbury.  —  L. 

"I  do  not  know  where  Edward  Shippen's  or  G.  Owen's  houses  were, 
but  that  of  T.  Fairman  was  called  the  halfway  house,  between  Phila- 
delphia and  Frankford,  and  was  a  handsome  improvement  for  that 
time.  — L. 

[Ed.  Shippen's  house  was  a  little  south  of  Cedar  Street,  near  Broad 
Street.  Fairman's,  or  the  halfway  house,  is  now  the  property  of  the 
I  hildren  of  Gen.  McPherson  by  his  first  wife.  It  was  called  in  the  old 
draft,  Poor  Island.  —  Note  by  J.  P.  Norris.~\ 


1 82  PEN'N   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

feet  in  fields,  as  also  peach-trees ;   yet  shall   neither  hurt  corn 
nor  grass. 

Now  is  the  time  to  make  earnings  in  the  islands;  wherefore 
fail  not  to  use  the  opportunity,  and  let  me  see  some  chests  of 
furs  per  Messenger.  If  thou  canst,  send  me  per  her  a  copy  of 
the  laws  to  lie  by  me.  Churchill  calls  on  me  for  his  money  ; 
pray  write  and  return  what  is  sold,  and  what  I  must  say  to  him. 
I  send  2  or  300  books  against  George  Keith,  by  R.  Jenney, 
which  may  be  disposed  of  as  there  is  occasion  and  service ;  if  I 
have  more  time  1  shall  wrfte  again  :  so  take  my  leave  for  this 
time  ;  Randall  going  in  an  hour,  and  this  has  three  or  four  miles 
to  go  to  him.     Thy  loving  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

P.  S.  —  My  dear  love  to  all  friends,  and  salutes  to  all  that  de- 
serve it.  Take  care  of  my  mills.  Remember  me  to  my  family, 
and  let  them  be  kind  to  poor  Lucy  and  Dutch. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  t,^  2d-mo.,  1703. 
My  last  was  three  days  ago,  and  last  post  to  Deal ;  this  covers 
T.  Fairman's,  and  is  to  tell  thee  that  his  brother^  Robert's  letter 
and  letter  of  attorney  are  not  for  thee  to  deliver,  but  to  know 
the  state  of  things  between  the  brothers,  and  to  take  fitting  sea- 
sons to  put  him  in  mind  of  his  obligations  to  Robert ;  and  I 
know  it  will  be  a  rod  in  thy  hand  to  govern  him.  I  have  said 
all  I  can  say  truly  in  his  favor,  and  I  verily  think  his  brother 
would  leave  the  most  of  what  he  has  among  his  children.  He 
is  a  loving  and  kind-hearted  man,  and  his  wife  as  discreet  and 

'  There  were  three  brothers  of  this  family,  Robert,  Francis,  and 
Thomas  ;  the  old  map  describes  them  as  possessed  of  considerable 
property  in  lands.  I  believe  none  of  their  descendants  of  the  same 
name  remain.  I  can  find  no  account  of  Robert's  ever  coming  over  to 
this  country ;  there  are  several  of  his  letters  extant,  by  which  it  ap- 
pears that  the  halfway  house  and  plantation  belonged  to  Robert, 
though  Thomas  had  usurped  the  ownership,  which  his  brother  observes 
was  not  Fairman-like.  Thomas  appears  to  have  had  but  an  indifferent 
character,  and  was,  I  believe,  at  this  time,  surveyor-general.  — L. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  183 

judicious  ;  but  I  had  much  to  do  to  answer  her,  though  I  said 
all  I  could  in  his  (Thomas's)  favor.  Robert  inclines  to  leave  all 
to  go  to  you,  but  his  wife  not  ready  ;  yet  fair  usage  would  go  a 
great  way  to  engage  her,  and  were  she  among  the  women  there 
she  would  be  a  notable  ruling  woman.  I  once  more  desire  thee 
to  manage  him  so  that  thou  mayst  make  thyself  master  of  his 
arcanas,  which,  after  all,  I  am  inclined  to  think  short  of  his 
accounts  and  characters.  I  know  not  that  I  shall  say  more 
than  that  I  have  sent  a  warrant  to  constitute  my  cousin  Mark- 
ham  the  register-general  of  the  province,  which  I  hope  may 
somewhat  help  him,  and  not  displease  our  friends.  I  am  in 
treaty  with  the  ministers  about  my  government,  and  hope  to 
make  the  best  of  a  bad  market.  If  Councillor  Mompesson 
cannot  have  a  salary  from  the  people  as  chief  justice  of  the 
province,  for  which  he  is  well  fitted,  then,  if  he  were  secretary 
of  the  government,  (if  that  post  is  a  clog  to  thee,)  or  in  case 
of  my  cousin  Markham's  decease  or  refusal,  if  he  were  register- 
general,  I  should  like  it,  for  his  deserved  encouragement. 

Again,  I  recommend  furs  by  Guy,  and  some  rarity  of  the 
country  to  present  to  our  great  men.  Coverlids  or  petticoats 
of  fine  furs,  Indian  work,  bows  and  arrows,  &c.  Pray  send  us 
a  barrel  or  two  of  apples,  if  ripe  or  sound  old  ones  to  be  had, 
watermelons,  or  any  produce  of  the  country.  I  yet  believe  I 
shall  have  another  opportunity,  so  close  at  this  time  with  all  our 
loves.     Thy  assured  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

Pray  urge  Gov.  Hamilton  to  write  to  Robert  West,  who  takes 
ill  his  profound  silence.  I  leave  T,  F.'s  open  for  thee  to  read 
and  seal.     Vale. 


James  Logan  to  William  Howston. 

Philadelphia,  xith  2d-mo.,  1703. 
Wm.  Howston  —  Loving  Friend: — Richard  Halliwell,  in 
behalf  of  the  town  of  New  Castle,  making  application  to  have 
the  commons  granted  to  that  town  settled  and  confirmed,  I 
once  more,  while  there  is  an  opportunity,  request  thy  final 
answer  about  that  additional  tract  and  the  overplus  we  have  so 


l84  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

much  discoursed  of;  we  set  the  price  as  low  as  possible,  viz., 
j^i  5,  under  which  we  cannot  nor  shall  not  come.  If  thou  please 
to  accept  of  it  on  these  terms  and  order  the  money,  it  shall  be 
confirmed  without  delay :  if  not,  it  must  go  into  the  commons, 
and  for  it  we  shall  add  the  like  quantity  to  that  reserved  on  the 
back  of  it,  where  it  will  at  least  be  worth  the  money  asked,  and 
therefore  where  it  lies  worth  double.  I  request  thy  speedy 
answer,  which,  or  thy  silence,  will  positively  determine  us. 

I  am  thy  very  loving  friend,  J.  L. 


James  Logan  to  H.  Hollingsworth 

Philadelphia,  \i,th  zd-jjio.,  1703. 

Loving  Friend  H.  Hollingsworth  :  —  I  here  send  thee  the 
warrant  of  Middletown,  later  a  week  I  confess  *:han  it  should 
have  come.  However,  now  thou  hast  it  I  would  have  thee  lose 
no  time,  but  set  even  this  week  about  it. 

"To  Thomas  Fairman  and  David  Powel,  surveyors:  In  your 
present  journey  to  the  Great  Swamp,^  I  desire  you,  without  fail, 
to  lay  out,  either  in  one  or  two  tracts,  as  it  shall  best  suit  the 
place,  ten  thousand  acres  of  good  land,  under  certain  bounds 
and  marked  lines  and  corners,  to  be  returned  into  the  office  upon 
a  warrant  which  shall  be  directed  to  you  for  the  Proprietary. 
Next  to  survey  to  Griffith  Jones,  in  pursuance  of  his  warrant, 
for  2,920  acres  with  allowance,  2,550  acres  with  so  much  more 
as  the  tract  granted  to  him  above  the  Welsh  of  Gwynedd  wants 
of  660  acres,  in  the  place  already  marked  out  to  him  by  square 
regular  lines,  and  as  uniform  as  the  place  will  bear.  After  which 
to  run  head  lines  for  4  or  5,000  acres  or  more,  to  be  laid  out  here- 
after to  purchasers  as  you  shall  have  orders,  under  certain  bounded 
fronts  and  back  lines,  but  without  subdivisions  or  executing  any 
other  warrant  whatsoever  ;  also  to  take  a  general  and  full  view 
of  the  whole  lands  thereabouts  that  arc  of  value." 


*  [In  the  vicinity  of  Quakertown,  Bucks  County.  — Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  185 

J.  KiRLL  TO  Jonathan  Dickinson. 

Philadelphia,  \(ith  April,  1703. 
Loving  Friend  Jonathan  Dickinson: — These  acquaint  thee 
of  our  health  at  this  time,  but  my  poor  wife  was  delivered  of  a 
dead  child  about  three  months  since,  which  was  like  to  have  lost 
her  life ;  thy  two  sons  are  well  and  much  altered  for  the  better; 
the  dock  lies  as  thee  left  it,  nobody  will  put  it  forward.  As  yet 
our  city  is  pretty  healthful ;  things  are  much  after  the  old  rate: 
we  want  to  be  new.  It 's  reported  that  Col.  Hamilton  has  the 
Queen's  approbation,  which  is  not  at  all  pleasing  to  them  that 
wish  not  well  to  the  contrey.  George  Keith  has  been  among 
us,  but  was  but  coldly  received  by  most  sorts  of  people  ;  he  had 
disputes  with  several  sorts ;  but  one  William  Davis,  a  Seventh- 
day  Baptist,  had  a  dispute  with  him  in  the  Keithian  meeting- 
house, where  George  had  the  worst  of  it,  and  was  forced  to  quit 
the  field  to  his  great  dishonor;  he  is  now  gone  to  Virginia.  I 
believe  he  stayed  here  longer  than  he  was  welcome  to  most 
sorts.  This  comes  by  John  Pairmaine,  who  is  master  of  my 
sloop ;  if  it  should  lie  in  thy  way  to  help  him  to  any  freight,  or 
any  other  way  will  much  oblige.  I  have  ordered  him  to  sell 
her  if  no  freight  present  for  this  place.  She  will  make  a  good 
sloop  to  fetch  sugar,  will  stand  two  heights  on  her  buts  ;  she  is  a 
strong  sloop,  let  people  give  her  what  name  they  please  to. 
With  I  and  wife's  dear  love  to  thee  and  wife, 

I  am  thy  assured  friend,         Jos.  Kirll. 


Isaac  Norris  to  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Jamaica. 
\_Extract.'\  Philadelphia,  19//;  2d-mo.,  1703. 

....  The  state  of  things,  both  in  church  and  state,  are  much 
as  thou  left  them,  though  Colonel  Quary  and  that  party  top  it 
extremely  over  the  government,  which  by  the  endeavors  of  our 
enemies  is  made  precarious,  although  we  have  lately  accounts 
that  Col.  Hamilton  is  confirmed  b}'-  the  Queen.  The  poor  man 
has  been  very  ill  a  long  time.  It  is  my  opinion  T.  Murrey  will 
quickly   carry   Rebecca  Richardson,  though  violently  opposed 


l86  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

by  the  mother.  He  has  taken  Jos.  Pidgeon's  house  for  seven 
years,  is  building  a  ship  of  20  guns,  and  is  one  of  the  top  of 
the  town. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Amboy,  2()th  2d-mo.,  1703. 
Honored  Governor:  —  The  mournful  occasion  of  my  being 
here  is  the  funeral  of  that  worthy  gentleman,  our  Lieutenant 
Governor  Hamilton.  He  lay  sick  of  a  putrid  and  hectic  fever 
for  about  nine  weeks,  and  departed  the  26th  instant/  in  his  per- 
fect senses,  and  was  interred  yesterday  in  the  afternoon:  we 
had  advice  of  it  at  Philadelphia  but  the  evening  before,  viz.,  28th, 
by  the  post;  and  presently  on  the  news,  Wm.  Trent,  Thomas 
Farmer,  and  myself,  being  all  who  on  that  short  notice  could 
get  ready,  for  Friends  were  mostly  gone  to  Salem  meeting, 
hastened  away  to  pay  this  last  respect,  and  came  time  enough 
to  meet  the  corpse  at  the  grave.  So  that  now  all  thy  late  pains 
for  an  approbation  in  his  favor  are  lost,  and  our  enemies  unhap- 
pily gratified  once  more.  The  commission  to  the  council  is 
strong,  but  one  director  is  gone,  and  a  concurrence  of  ability 
and  inclination  is  too  much  wanting  there.  I  need  not  mention 
what  speedy  provision  our  circumstances  will  require :  in  the 
mean  time  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  keep  the  peace,  preserve 
order,  and  towards  which  nothing  shall  be  wanting  that  is  in  my 
power;  but  our  president's'  preciseness  in  some  things  will  scarce 
suit  the  exigencies  of  our  affairs  at  this  time,  and  the  next  to 
him,  J.  Guest,  is  unfit  for  power.  Whose  turn  may  be  next  God 
only  knows,  but  I  fear  more  will  follow. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 
\_Extract.'\  Philadelphia,  13//^  yi-mo.,  1703. 

....  This  comes  chiefly  to  inclose  W.  Clark's  letter,  which 
I  forgot  to  take  with  me  to  the  Governor's  funeral  at  Amboy, 

^  26th  2d-mo.,  1703.  —  L. 

*  [Edward  Shippen,  president  of  council.  — Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I87 

from  whence  I  dispatched  letters,  both  by  way  of  York  and 
Boston  ;  since  the  date  of  these,  viz.,  the  4th  inst.,  the  commis- 
sion to  the  council  was  published,  a  copy  of  which  is  inclosed ; 
it  was  done  in  a  great  hurry,  and,  either  by  the  transcriber's 
haste  or  some  other  accident,  we  find  the  Duke's  deeds  of  feoff- 
ment are  not  mentioned,  which  gives  some  occasion  to  reckon 
it  less  valid  in  respect  to  those  counties.  I  know  not  how  far 
it  will  be  insisted  on,  however;  to  prevent  confusion  'twill 
require  thy  consideration,  and  if  backed  by  another  commission 
per  first  opportunity,  till  matters  can  be  better  settled,  with  more 
names  inserted,  such  as  Richard  Hill,  Isaac  Norris,  Thomas 
Master,  Robert  Asheton,  Charles  Read,  Francis  Rawle,  John 
Finney,  &c.,  it  may  be  much  for  the  ease  of  those  concerned, 
for  't  is  now  difficult  to  get  a  quorum  ;  but  it  will  be  necessary 
to  be  full  and  very  express  with  an  order  for  the  Great  Seal. 
Thomas  Story  has  gone  to  the  Maryland  meeting. 


Bills  never  were  more  plenty  among  the  merchants,  through 
the  scarcity  of  money,  which  seems  now  to  have  almost  taken 
its  leave  of  us,  so  that  our  poverty  ought  now  effectually  to  pro- 
tect us. 

What  letters  the  secretary  sends  from  this  place  to  the  Pro- 
prietary after  the  date  hereof,  he  is  desired  to  apply  the  blank 
leaf  at  the  end  of  them  to  a  fire  till  scorched,  because  that 
trick  may  discover  the  knavery,  &c.  of  &c.,  but  he  will  send 
none  such  now. 

I  received  thine  by  Mary  Phillips,  recommended  to  thy  cousin 
Rooth,  and  referring  to  further  advice.  I  have  supplied  her  with 
about  ^16:  pray  give  further  orders  concerning  her. 

I  am  again  going  to  Chester  County  about  rents,  where  I  have 
already  sat  the  best  part  of  two  weeks,  and  received  not  ;^20  in 
the  whole,  money  is  so  exceedingly  scarce.  People,  notwith- 
standing, are  willing  to  pay,  and  owe  considerably,  but  have  it 
not ;  they  offer  wheat,  but  that  will  not  do,  there  being  not  suf- 
ficient vent  for  it. 

Upon  the  publication  of  the  commission  from  the  council, 
they  issued  a  proclamation  to  continue  officers,  &c. 


l88  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

The  last  of  thy  present  commissioners  of  property*  says,  that 
though,  in  what  he  has  wrote  to-day,  one  paragraph  may  appear 
ahnost  delirious,  at  least  very  odd.yet 'tis  wrote  on  good  grounds, 
and  if  duly  observed  the  next  will  explain  it;  but  the  remem- 
brance of  the  Cantico  *  and  other  rogueries  would  forbid  him  at 
this  time  to  be  plain.  Let  him  stand  or  fall,  I  say,  by  his  own 
merits :  if  he  prove  nonsensical,  let  him  suffer  for  it. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  dth  ^th-mo.,  1703. 

I  have  had  none  from  thee  since  the  loth-mo.  last,  which  I 
am  surprised  at,  so  many  opportunities  from  New  York  and 
New  England  presenting,  though  not  from  you. 

I  bless  the  Lord  we  are  all  yet  in  the  land  of  the  living.  My 
son  has  another  boy  —  mine  and  his  name  —  and  my  poor  wife 
going  down,  to-morrow,  to  Bristol,  to  lie  in.  I  have  writ  fully 
by  the  Messenger,  as  also  by  Randal  Janney,  in  the  Jolly 
Galley,  which  I  hope  are  come  well  to  hand,  and  will  be  con- 
sidered and  followed. 

For  my  rents,  debts  due  to  me,  public  or  private,  as  also  sal- 
able lands,  as  per  last,  I  do  earnestly  press  their  returns,  but 
much  rather  in  furs  and  skins  than  tobacco,  per  Barbadoes ;  but 
by  bills  were  best,  for  the  load  I  am  under  be  too  heavy  to  bear 
without  large  supplies;  wherefore  avoid  all  expenses  unnecessary. 

My  son  is  now  in  earnest  to  be  with  you  by  the  Virginia 
fleet,  that  sails  by  orders  the  lOth  of  the  6th-mo.,  (two  months 
hence,)  and  so  thence  up  the  bay,  unless  better  conveniency 
offers  more  directly  in  the  mean  time  as  early  as  that.  I  am 
actually  in  treaty  with  the  ministers  for  my  government,  and 
so  soon  as  it  bears,  you  shall  be  informed  of  it.  I  believe  it 
repents  some  they  began  it,  for  now  't  is  I  that  press  it,  upon 
pretty  good  terms,  as  well  for  the  people  as  self,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  the  wisest  and  best  of  my  friends;  but  that  shall  never 
weaken  my  love  to,  and  residence  in,  Pennsylvania,  and  so  I 

'  The  writer  here  refers  to  himself.  —  L. 
^  A  vessel  of  that  name.  — L. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I89 

command  by  will  my  posterity.  You  will  have  an  increase  of 
Friends  among  }'ou  to  support  the  superiority,  or  balance  at 
least,  in  the  province ;  so  after  I  have  done  with  the  govern- 
ment, and  called  upon  Ireland,  if  the  Lord  give  me  life,  I  pur- 
pose to  fly  to  you  as  fast  as  I  can. 

I  have  been  much  pressed  by  Jacob  Telner  about  Rebecca 
Shippen's  business  in  the  town.  I  desire  that  truth  and  right- 
eousness may  take  place,  and  that  it  may  be  done,  at  any  rate, 
impartially. 

Also  pray  remind  S.  Carpenter  of  his  promise  about  ending 
the  business  of  the  widow  Lloyd  ;  it  regards  poor  Thomas  Hart 
and  Edward  Man,  by  whom  I  am  spoken  to  very  often  with 
grief  as  well  as  resentment.     Fail  not. 

B.  Chambers  is  much  called  upon  by  the  poor  adventurers  in 
the  old  society,^  and  some  of  them  are  truly  so,  even  to  the 
want  of  bread.  They  are  not  satisfied  with  his  accounts,  and 
think  he  should  let  them  know  what  is  left  upon  a  moderate 
estimate,  for  want  of  which  none  will  buy,  where  some  would 
sell  their  shares;  in  which  be  particular  to  him,  for  'tis  a  dis- 
honest business  to  the  country.  Perhaps  I  may  have  another 
larger  opportunity  by  some  way,  so  shall  now  say  no  more,  but 
that  we  send  our  loves  and  good  wishes,  and  desire  the  same 
may  be  made  particular  to  all  our  town  and  country  friends,  as 
if  named,  and  other  folks  that  deserve  it,  and  that  I  am  thy 
affectionate,  real  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

ytJi  \tli  mo. —  I  have  sent  a  duplicate  by  R.  Janney,  or  Guy, 
of  the  Queen's  approbation  of  Governor  Hamilton,  of  whose 
conduct  I  desire  an  account.  His  countrymen  [are],  at  this 
minute,  under  the  greatest  ferment;  and  let  him  know  that  the 
Duke  of  Hamilton's  party  prevails  to  have  grievances  and  privi- 
leges preferred  to ~;  that  the  commissioner,  Duke  of  Queens- 
bury,  pressed,  no  notable  thing,  but  the  alliance  with  Portugal 
shrewdly  managed  by  Methuin's  negotiation,  who  is  }'et  Lord 
Chancellor  of  Ireland.  I  have  sent  a  letter,  lately  sent  me  from 
the  Lords  for  Trade  and  Plantations,  about  the  old  quota  busi- 
ness, which  is  enclosed  to  Col.  Hamilton,  to  act  or  recommend 

^  [The  Free  Society  of  Traders.  — Editor.  1 
'[Blank  in  the  original.  — Editor.] 


IQO  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l703- 

as  he  sees  reason.  He  obtains  a  better  credit  here  ;  and  for  poor 
Bass,  he  is  the  most  miserable  wretch  living.  Sonomans  has 
his  place,  who  is  run  away  and  left  the  commission  for  Secre- 
tary of  the  Jerseys,  for  want  of  money  to  take  it  out,  and  has 
left  his  poor  brother  Loifiin  and  one  Wilcox  in  the  lurch,  break- 
ing all  faith  with  them  at  going  away,  so  that  his  credit  is  at  an 
end.  Pray  mind  my  two  proprietaries  in  West  Jersey,  taken  up 
by  Bass  for  me  and  his  friend  Daniel  Leeds,  of  which  the  col- 
lector at  Burlington  is  able  to  give  an  account,  for  I  think  he 
was  surveyor,  and  I  left  the  draught,  when  there,  in  my  closet, 
I  am  confident.  Jos.  Grove  paid  me  t'  other  fifty  pounds, 
when  I  never  wanted  (it)  more,  a  guinea  being  less  to  mc  a  year 
since  than  a  crown  is  now;  therefore  remember  me  by  all 
opportunities.  My  love  to  the  Commissioners  of  Property  and 
magistrates.     Vale. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  14//^  ifth-mo.,  1703. 
By  way  of  York,  Boston,  Jamaica,  and  Barbadoes,  I  have  ad- 
vised of  Gov.  Hamilton's  decease  on  the  26th  2d-mo.  last,  since 
which  I  am  to  advise  thee  that  on  the  i8th*  ult,  Col.  Quary, 
understanding  that  the  council  was  to  sit  that  day,  sent  them 
word  that  he  desired  to  wait  on  them,  having  something  of 
importance  to  lay  before  them  :  which  proved  an  order  of  the 
Queen  in  council,  enjoining  all  officers  to  take  the  oath  or  af- 
firmation enjoined  by  law  in  England,  and  that  all  persons 
enjoined  to  take  an  oath  in  England  should  likewise  take  it 
here,  or  the  proceeding  be  null  and  void.  I  need  not  be  particu- 
lar in  the  recital  because  thou  art  fully  acquainted  with  it,  only 
the  consequence  since  Gov.  Hamilton's  decease,  considering  of 
what  persons  the  council  is  made  up,  is  like  to  be  troublesome  and 
perplexing.  Some  of  the  members,  as  John  Guest  and  Samuel 
Finney,  being  unwilling  to  act  till  they  have  taken  all  those  en- 

^  [This  should  be  the  17th.  Quary's  communication  became  a  sub- 
ject of  discussion  at  many  subsequent  meetings,  and  appears  to  have 
caused  perplexity  with  the  members  of  the  council.  —  2  Col.  Records, 
89  et  post.  — Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I9I 

joined,  and  particularly  that  required  by  act  of  Parliament  for  the 
security  of  trade,  for  which  the  dedimus,  which  has  ministered 
occasion  for  one  of  Quary's  articles,  is  directed  to  him  and  his 
factious  brethren  ;  but  in  this  now/tis  scarce  expected  they  will 
comply  and  discharge  their  duty  on  any  reasonable  terms,  more 
than  they  would  before  to  Gov.  Hamilton  ;  and  how  it  will  be  now 
done  without  them  is  not  yet  fully  understood,  but  till  it  is  done 
by  some  means  or  other,  there  will  be  a  stop,  I  perceive,  to  all  pro- 
ceedings. The  time  appointed  to  try  them  is  the  13th  instant, 
when  't  is  hoped  all  that  are  to  take  it  will  be  here,  as  Wm.  Clark 
from  below,  and  Thomas  Story  from  Maryland,  where  he  has  been 
about  five  weeks  on  the  account  of  his  ministry. 

Col.  Quary  is  now  at  New  York  with  Lord  Cornbury,  from 
whence  he  is  now  returning,  and  designs  back,  't  is  said,  forthwith, 
to  accompany  said  Lord  Cornbury  to  Albany.  The  Assembly 
of  New  York  have  ordered  two  good  forts  to  be  built  on  the 
Narrows,  one  on  Long  Island,  the  other  on  Staten  Island,  which 
they  believe  will  secure  them  from  hostile  attempts  by  sea.  The 
said  orders  were  sent  to  Col.  Quary  from  the  Lords  of  Trade 
and  Plantations,  with  directions  to  publish  it  in  all  the  courts, 
which  he  has  hitherto  done,  and  thereupon  they  have  adjourned, 
for  due  dedimus  to  qualify  them.  We  cannot  see  how  in  the 
courts  of  Bucks  and  Chester  they  will  be  able  to  act  at  all  as 
things  now  stand  ;  though  had  it  pleased  God  to  have  continued 
Gov.  Hamilton's  life  among  us  we  should  have  felt  very  little 
inconvenience  from  this,  but  now  shall  labor  under  too  great  a 
perplexity,  so  that  immediate  application  to  supply  the  place 
will  be  required.  His  loss  will  prove  exceeding  fatal  to  all  the 
revenues  of  government,  which  were  at  a  stand  before  in  ex- 
pectation of  his  approbation,  but  now,  unless  one  succeed  in 
thy  interest  they  seem  to  be  quite  despaired  of  Gov.  Nicholson, 
of  Virginia,  passed  this  way  lately,  to  and  from  New  York,  and 
at  his  departure  did  all  the  mischief  it  was  possible  for  him  at 
New  Castle,  though  treated  very  civilly  by  Friends  here.  I  ac- 
companied him  to  Burlington  upwards,  and  designed  to  New 
Castle  with  him  downwards  ;  but  at  Chester,  at  supper  with  Jas- 
per Yeates,  we  had  some  high  words,  occasioned  at  first  by  the 
clergy,  on  which  J.  Growdon,  who  was  with  us,  and  I,  returned 


192  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [l/OS- 

from  thence  in  the  morning :  the  subject  was  the  territories. 
He  has  encouraged  them,  as  't  is  reported,  to  build  a  church  at 
New  Castle,  on  the  green,  and  promises  to  procure  a  confirma- 
of  it  from  Queen  Anne.  It  will  be  extremely  necessary  to  pro- 
cure a  lieutenant  for  some  time  at  least  in  thy  interest,  or  thy 
affairs  cannot  have  justice  here.  I  would  be  larger,  but  not 
having  a  safe  hand  tp  send  by,  and  fearing  this  may  be  served  as 
those  per  the  Industry  were,  I  am  more  cautious. 

....  By  way  of  York  I  inclosed  bills,  &c.,  &c Money 

to  buy  them  being  so  scarce  that  it  seems  almost  to  have 
taken  its  leave  of  this  continent,  which  will  be  sufficiently  con- 
firmed by  those  that  go  hence.  To  the  infelicity  of  the  times 
therefore,  and  no  remissness  in  me,  I  hope  thou  wilt  impute  thy 
disappointments  from  this  place 

I  sent  a  large  packet  from  via  York  last  ist-mo.,  and  shall 
be  fullerper  said  opportunities.  H.  Childs,  arriving  here  two  days 
ago,  delivered  thine,  by  his  long  detaining  of  which  I  could  but 
suspect  his  discretion :  his  excuses  are  weak.  This  country  however 
seems  to  have  a  loss  in  him~  by  his  not  settling  in  it,  for  he 
appears  a  capable  and  good  man.  I  shall  fully  satisfy  his  bills 
before  his  departure,  which  will  be  in  two  or  three  week,  &c.    J.  L. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

(In  continuation  of  that  of  the   14th  4th-mo.,   1703.) 

Philadelphia,  24///  ifth-mo.,  1703. 

The  precedmg  is  what  I  sent  last  post,  by  way  of  Boston, 
wrote  in  the  original  more  obscurely,  and  with  many  abbrevia- 
tions, that  it  might  be  the  less  intelligible,  should  it  miscarry, 
to  which  reason  ascribe  all  that  shall  come  in  the  same  method 
hereafter. 

In  that  I  have  mentioned  that  the  council  has  appointed  the 
13th  of  the  next  month  to  be  a  full  board  to  try  [unintelligible*] 
whether  in  pursuance  of  that  and  the  Queen's  orders,  they  will 
administer  the  oath  to  such  as  will  take  it,  and  the  affirmation 

^  [The  omitted  words  are  to  try  "the  commission  prescribed  in  the 
late  king's  dedimus."  —  Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I93 

to  the  rest.  But  Col.  Quary  returning  from  New  York  .since, 
and  several  being  uneasy  that  affairs,  especially  those  relating 
to  trade  should  be  procrastinated,  Samuel  Carpenter  and  I  last 
night  went  to  the  Colonel  and  discoursed  him  about  it,  who  has 
declared  his  opinion  that  it  ought  forthwith  to  be  done,  and  pro- 
fesses his  readiness  to  be  serviceable  in  it:  upon  which  the  29th 
instant  is  appointed,  whether  there  be  a  full  council  or  not,  and 
the  other  commissioners  are  this  day  to  be  sent  to:  notwith- 
standing this,  that  productive  head  of  all  mischief,  J.  Moore, 
will  I  doubt  find  some  unhappy  pretence  to  perplex  us. 

In  our  discourse  with  Col.  Quary,  I  found  a  great  offence 
taken  at  the  trials  in  the  last  provincial  court  by  juries,  impan- 
elled, he  says,  not  only  without  an  oath,  but  on  a  single  affirma- 
tion, to  try  two  persons  for  their  lives,  and  therefore  believe 
he  has  made  it  the  subject  of  one  article  more  against  us. 

William  Clark  in  his  letter  gave  an  account  of  that  court, 
which  was  sent  by  way  of  New  York,  and  now  I  send  enclosed 
by  the  Experiment,  the  record  of  these  proceedings,  together  with 
a  minute  of  council  made  on  that  occasion,  and  shall  give  a 
true  state  of  the  case  briefly,  as  follows  : 

Last  September  court,  Judges  Guest  and  Finney,  being  two  of 
the  bench,  and  the  governor  then  absent,  were  of  opinion  that 
it  would  be  more  proper,  considering  how  affairs  stood,  to  have 
a  particular  commission  of  oyer  and  terminer  and  gaol  delivery, 
for  this  county,  directed  to  such  only  as  would  take  and  admin- 
ister oaths,  than  to  proceed  at  that  time  by  the  standing  com- 
mission to  y"  provincial  judges,  of  whom  there  was  not  a  suffi- 
cient number  to  make  a  quorum  for  the  county,  either  of  such 
as  could  swear,  or  of  such  as  could  not  separate  from  the  others, 
the  law  appointing  only  five  judges,  of  whom  this  county  requires 
three  ;  so  that  those  that  could  swear  being  unwilling  upon  that 
occasion  to  act  without  oaths,  and  those  that  could  not,  inca- 
pable to  act  with  them,  and  there  being  only  four  judges  here,  for 
W.  Clark  was  absent,  they  could  not  proceed  to  any  trial  at  that 
time :  I  mean  of  life  and  death. 

Upon  this,  such  a  special  commission  as  I  have  mentioned  was, 
some  considerable  time  after,  viz.,  in  February,  directed  to  Judge 
Guest,  Captain  Finney,  and  Edward  Farmer,  or  any  two  of  them, 

VOL.  I.  — 14 


194  PENX    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

for  delivering  the  said  gaol,  the  23d  of  said  month,  and  accord- 
ingly the  court  was  opened,  and  the  persons  summoned  for  the 
grand  jury,  who  were  all  such  as  could  take  an  oath,  were 
according  to  the  sheriff's  panel  called  over,  but  a  sufficient 
number  not  appearing,  either  in  the  morning  or  afternoon,  the 
sheriff  was  ordered  by  the  court  to  make  up  a  sufficient  number 
out  of  the  tales,  which  was  done ;  but  the  oath  being  offered 
to  them,  some  refused  for  one  reason,  some  for  another,  and  not 
one  would  act,  so  that  we  evidently  perceived  the  endeavors  we 
always  expected  would  be  used,  by  those  factious  persons  who 
contend  for  nothing  more  than  our  confusion,  had  been  too  suc- 
cessful, and  nothing  could  be  depended  on  for  the  public  good 
and  welfare  of  the  place,  where  these  men  could  have  any  influ- 
ence. After  court  some  inquiries  were  made  into  the  reason  of 
the  refusal,  and  the  principal  and  most  open  that  were  given 
were,  that  the  trial  of  such  criminals  belonged  to  the  provincial 
court  when  it  came  of  course,  and  that  a  special  court  seemed 
not  so  conformable  to  law:  but  this  was  wholly  groundless;  the 
law  leaves  sufficient  room  for  such  courts,  and  they  could  not 
but  know  that  it  has  been  frequently  practiced.  However,  this 
served  to  impose  on  those  who  knew  no  better :  but  of  those 
that  did  the  real  argument  was  that  the  commission  being  issued 
by  Col.  Hamilton,  who  had  not  the  Queen's  approbation,  was 
not  valid  in  itself,  and,  therefore,  none  could  be  safe  to  act  under 
it;  which  argument,  though  it  could  not  startle  the  judges,  yet 
they  thought  ought  to  weigh  with  the  jury,  being  to  them  of 
the  highest  moment ;  this  to  be  sure  could  not  appear  otherwise 
than  extremely  ridiculous,  all  men  knowing  that  it  is  the  bench 
and  not  the  jury  who  are  answerable  for  the  judgment  given, 
and  'tis  the  judgment  only  that  takes  away  the  life.  But  in  the 
bottom  of  all  it  is  plain  the  design  was  to  prevent  all  things 
that  might  take  away  occasion  of  complaint,  and  that  they  hoped 
the  delaying  of  justice  might  prove  a  great  one. 

This  endeavor  of  the  governor  proving  fruitless,  the  criminals 
continued  in  prison  till  the  provincial  court  returned  of  course, 
w^hich  was  on  the  loth  of  the  2d-mo.  last,  but  still  it  returned 
under  the  same  disadvantages  as  the  other  did  before,  only  that 
the  other  judge  was  present,  which  made  up  three  of  such  as 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I95 

could  not  swear.  The  court  being  called,  and  all  five  in  town. 
Judge  Guest  and  Finney,  as  they  had  done  before,  declined  act- 
ing, and  the  other  three,  William  Clark,  Edward  Shippen,  and 
T.  Masters,  held  the  court  and  impanelled  a  grand  jur>' :  not 
by  oath,  for  that  they  could  not  administer,  but  by  an  affirma- 
tion according  to  the  law  of  England;  which  being  done,  and 
several  discourses  arising  upon  it,  they,  desirous  to  act  cautiously 
to  their  utmost,  advised  not  only  among  themselves  what  was 
fit  to  be  done,  which  occasioned  some  short  adjournment,  but 
at  length  advised  also  with  some  members  of  council,  who 
concluded  altogether  that  the  royal  charter  to  thee,  the  Proprie- 
tary, requiring  the  law  for  felonies,  &c.,  to  be  the  same  here  as 
in  England,  until  they  should  be  altered  by  thee  and  the  people, 
and  the  same  charter  in  other  clauses  giving  full  power  to  make 
laws,  the  law  of  England  could  not  be  our  rule  after  such  altera- 
tions were  made ;  that  charter  only  being  the  foundation  of  thy 
government,  that  therefore  we  have  no  privilege  but  by  that 
charter,  and  could  have  no  law  but  such  as  it  directed ;  that 
having  made  of  our  own,  pursuant  to  its  direction,  which  were 
not  yet  disallowed  of  that  we  knew  of,  these  must  be  our  guide 
and  rules ;  that  we  having  a  law  that  directed  how  juries  should 
be  qualified,  whilst  we  acted  by  that  we  acted  legally,  and  could 
not  act  so  by  any  other.  However,  that,  while  this  govern- 
ment found  no  fault  with  the  administration  of  oaths  when  it 
should  be  thought  there  was  occasion  for  them,  it  was  very 
probable  the  government  of  England  would  not,  and,  therefore, 
such  as  should  administer  to  those  that  were  free  to  it,  acted 
safely. 

Upon  this  the  grand  jury  was  again  attested,  according  to  the 
law  of  this  government  in  that  case  provided,  and  business  car- 
ried forward  without  any  obstruction  to  the  end,  in  which  one 
young  man  was  burnt  in  the  hand  for  manslaughter,  pleading 
the  benefit  of  his  clergy,  and  a  woman  condemned  to  death  for 
murdering  her  child,  but  is  not,  nor  is  likely  to  be  executed. 

This  is  a  true  state  of  the  case,  and  if  any  fault  be  found  it 
will  scarcely,  I  suppose,  lie  at  the  judges'  door,  for  there  was  a 
necessity  to  deliver  those  miserable  wretches  out  of  gaol,  where 
they  had  long  been  under  great  hardships  ;  and  for  the  reasons 
aforesaid,   no    other    means    appearing,  they  pursued    the    law 


10  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

strictly,  which  they  have  reason  to  plead  in  their  defence ;  and 
by  the  validity  of  that  all  things  of  this  nature  must  stand  or 
fall. 

I  must  here  observe  that  the  governor,  though  always  desirous 
to  have  oaths  administered  where  it  could  by  any  means  be 
done,  yet  could  not  again  venture  to  issue  a  new  commission  to 
the  new  provincial  judges,  for  by  that  means  their  old  commis- 
sions, which  are  from  thyself,  and  therefore  disputed  by  none, 
would  be  made  void,  and  the  validity  of  the  new  one,  issued  by 
Governoi-  Hamilton,  not  yet  approved  of  that  we  know  of,  would 
be  disputed,  and  by  that  means  all  the  business  of  the  Supreme 
Court  obstructed.  At  the  first-mentioned  Court  of  Oyer  and 
Terminer,  &c.,  J.  Moore,  Attorney  General,  rode  out  of  town 
without  taking  any  notice  of  it  at  all,  though  advertised  of  it 
by  the  judges  themselves,  and  by  order  of  council,  that  he 
might  prepare  to  prosecute  for  the  Queen  ;  and  in  the  last  he 
pleaded  an  indisposition  of  body,  and  would  not  act  then.  The 
cause  of  the  first  was  the  invalidity  of  the  commission  in  his 
judgment ;  of  the  other,  the  want  of  oaths. 

There  is  one  thing  more  has  much  disturbed  some  of  the 
clergy  here,  which  was,  they  say,  that  Edward  Shippen,  a  mayor 
of  the  city,  sent  a  constable  to  keep  the  peace,  or  defend  one 
Davies,  a  whimsical  fellow  here,  that  opposed  George  Keith, 
while  he  uttered  blasphemies  against  heaven,  or  which  is  worse, 
the  church.  I  was  absent  then,  with  John  Moore,  at  Bucks 
court,  about  Tatham's  and  Growdon's  business,  and  therefore 
was  wholly  a  stranger  to  it,  and  though  it  made  some  little  noise, 
never  thought  it  worth  my  while  to  inquire  into  it,  through  an 
utter  aversion  I  have  to  things  of  the  kind.  This  morning,  how- 
ever, hearing  complaint  was  made  of  it,  I  inquired  of  the  mayor 
himself,  for  further  satisfaction,  and  he  has  promised  an  account 
of  all  he  knows  of  the  matter,  under  his  own  hand,  which  also 
comes  by  the  Experiment.  The  mayor  himself,  with  most  of 
those,  both  of  our  friends  and  church  folks,  were,  at  the  time 
of  this  flurry,  at  our  meeting-house,  at  young  John  Jones's  wed- 
ding with  his  step-mother's  daughter,  Margaret  Waterman ; 
which  wedding,  for  the  number  of  people  and  splendor  of  enter- 
tainment, was  the  most  considerable  that  has  ever  been  in  this 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I97 

province,  and  kept  the  invited,  among  whom  was  Col.  Quary 
and  family,  and  all  of  that  rank,  as  well  as  Friends,  till  some 
good  part  of  the  afternoon  was  spent,  so  that  they  were  inno- 
cent, and  knew  not  what  passed,  if  anything ;  and  I  have  often 
since,  in  discourse,  transiently  heard  the  depositions  represented 
as  very  ridiculous  things,  though  I  never  would  see  or  inquire 
into  one  of  them;  and  I  believe  men  cannot  expose  themselves 
more  than  by  showing  an  inclination  to  lay  hold  on  such  trifles 
and  groundless  stories  for  matter  of  accusation.  If  there  has 
been  any  other  occasion  of  complaint  taken  — for  I  am  confident 
there  is  none  given  —  I  am  a  stranger  to  it,  as  of  necessity  we 
must  all  be,  while  they  court  opportunities,  keep  all  silent,  in- 
dustriously hear  and  in  the  dark,  and  without  the  least  notice 
to  any  that  should  redress  them,  thunder  over  accounts  of  their 
sham  grievances,  &c.  I  wish  next  third-day,  the  29th  inst.  — 
mentioned  before  —  could  pass  over  before  these  ships  sail,  but 
'tis  not  to  be  expected  ;  for  I  much  doubt  we  shall  daily  be  more 
and  more  perplexed,  and  therefore  intreat  thy  application  for 
some  further  provision  for  our  good  order  in  times  of  so  much 
danger. 

We  have  nothing  of  any  kind  about  us,  for  that  General  Cod- 
rington's  particular  humor  has  lost  the  expedition  against  Gua- 
daloupe,  and  the  fleet  at  Jamaica  spend  their  bottoms  on  the 
worm  and  their  powder  in  roaring  acclamations  for  the  Queen's 
health,  I  suppose  is  none. 

Jemmy  Le  Tort  went  to  Canada  with  Louis  Lemoine  in  the 
fall  of  1701,  and  returned  lately  without  the  other,  not  liking 
the  place.  We  have  had  him  up,  and  examined  him  strictly, 
but  cannot  discover  that  he  knows  anything,  or  that  he  was 
received  or  taken  notice  of;  but  he  tells  us  that  the  French 
have  settled  a  priest  among  the  Onondagoes,  and  that  the 
government  of  York,  as  he  was  informed,  warned  them  to  send 
the  said  priest  away  forthwith,  but  they  had  refused.  Letters 
from  the  eastward  say  they  have  advices,  several  ways,  that  the 
French  there  are  upon  a  design  of  making  a  descent  somewhere 
on  these  colonies. 

Indian  Harry  not  having  been  here  for  twelve  months  past, 
notwithstanding  he  promised   otherwise,   I  designed  to   Con- 


198  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OS- 

estogoe,  as  I  wrote  before  last  •2d-mo. ;  but  hearing  he  was  gone 
abroad,  I  stopped  my  journey;  and  now  he  has  wholly  pre- 
vented it  by  coming  himself  last  week;  he  can  inform  us  of 
nothing. 

Pray  inform  further  what  I  am  to  do  relating  to  that  gentle- 
woman recommended  to  thy  cousin  Rooth,  Mary  Phillips. 
She  had  but  about  ;i^20  of  me.  In  the  letter  by  her,  thou  wert 
pleased  to  express  thy  inclination  to  grant  Col.  Markham  some 
request  he  had  made,  if  practicable,  which  proved  the  Surveyor 
General's  place;  but  that  could  not  possibly  be  now,  in  the  time 
of  general  resurveys,  when  the  whole  is  done  at  thy  charge 
almost,  and  through  the  people's  backwardness  will  cost  thee 
some  hundreds  of  pounds  advanced  out  of  pocket.  The  time, 
I  hope,  will  bring  it  almost  all  in  again,  besides  the  advantage 
of  the  overplus  itself,  which  is  the  only  inducement. 

Within  the  time  limited,  all  old  surveys  in  the  province,  and 
County  of  New  Castle,  will,  I  hope,  be  perfected,  but  nothing 
done  in  the  two  lower  counties.  For  reasons  given  before,  be- 
sides that  I  really  think  it  would  never  answer,  these,  while 
money  is  so  scarce  and  trade  so  dull,  are  very  chargeable,  yet 
generally  will  prove  well  worth  while,  I  hope,  though  very 
troublesome  before  they  can  be  fully  settled. 

I  know  not  what  to  do  about  thy  interest  in  the  Jerseys.  I 
am  wholly  a  stranger  to  them,  more  than  what  the  deeds  left 
here  will  show,  and  these  seem  to  have  a  reserve,  which  very 
reserve,  I  perceive  it  is,  that  Dr.  Cox  claims.  He  desires  a 
friendly  conference  on  both  sides,  is  willing  to  show  thee  his 
title,  and  desires  that  we  will  do  the  same;  but  S.  Jennings,  the 
chief  of  the  attorneys  for  those  parts,  is  very  shy,  and  pleads 
ignorance,  and  T.  Story  and  I  may  certainly  more  justly  plead 
it ;  so  that  we  are  cautious,  and  think  not  fit  to  go  any  further 
than  we  are  sure  the  ground  is  good.  The  Dr.  has  pressed  it 
several  times,  declaring  that  he  desired  nothing  more  than 
what,  in  the  judgment  of  any  man  of  understanding,  would 
appear  to  be  his  due,  and  what  he  could  make  an  indisputable 
title  to.  If  thee  hast  a  better,  he  would  readily  quit  all  claim. 
Of  which  language  I  no  ways  understanding  the  ground,  have 
kept  the  whole  discourse  at  a  distance,  and  would  never  enter 


1703]  CORRESPONDENCE.  I99 

upon  it,  so  that  as  yet  we  have  never  done  anything,  for  fear  of 
doing  wrong  in  what  we  could  not  understand,  and  giving  an 
advantage  that  we  did  not  see.  I  wish  thou  wouldst  be  pleased 
to  write  to  Samuel  Jennings  fully  about  it 

On  the  Experiment,  in  which  Edward  Shippen,  junior,  comes, 

I  have  shipped,  &c The  bear-skins  are  a  commodity, 

when  good,  and  these  are  none  of  the  very  best,  yet  well  worth 
what  they  cost,  viz.,  12s.  per  piece,  now  sold  at  14  or  15.  They 
are  very  scarce,  and  through  the  mildness  of  the  past  winter 
not  easy  to  be  had  so  large  as  formerly.  The  small  furs,  I 
believe,  are  right  good 

I  have  endeavored  at  a  perfect  rent-roll  for  Chester,  but  not 
one  half  of  the  people  came  in,  for  shame,  they  say,  that  they 
could  not  raise  money,  though  by  printed  bills  they  had  large 
notice ;  and  of  those  that  came  in,  not  one  half  could  pay,  so 
that  out  of  the  whole  county  I  could  not  raise  ^^40  ;  however, 
were  wheat  in  such  demand  again  that  I  could  take  it  at  any 
certain  price  of  money,  I  would  complete  the  rolls,  and  make 
some  hand  of  it  or  other. 

T.  Story  not  being  returned  from  Maryland,  the  commission- 
ers do  not  write,  and  the  council  have  mentioned,  but  not 
ordered,  that  a  letter  should  be  drawn  up  from  them  :  in  the 
mean  time,  Ed.  Shippen,  and  some  others,  press  me  to  urge 
the  necessity  of  making  some  more  suitable  provision  for  the 
government;  for  affairs  are  like  to  be  exceedingly  perplexed 
by  their  not  being  able  to  administer  oaths,  upon  this  last  order 
of  the  Queen. 

There  is  a  fine  new  vessel,  built  here,  called  the  Pennsbury 
Galley,  carried  on  by  Thomas  Murray  and  Joseph  Shippen,  in- 
tends to  sail  hence  for  London  this  summer,  on  whom  I  shall 
ship,  &c. 

Poor  James  Streater,  being  settled  above  the  Falls,  has  very 
lately  lost  both  son  and  daughter  by  the  distemper  that  has 
been  hovering  around  us.  We  are  healthy  in  town,  and  gener- 
ally so,  as  yet,  in  the  countiy. 

Edward  Shippen,  Samuel  Carpenter,  Caleb  Pusey,  Isaac  Nor- 
ris,  Richard  Hill,  and  several  others  give  their  dear  love  and 
due  respects,  with  which  also  from  myself  concludes 

Thy  most  faithful,  J.  L. 


20O  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [l703- 

P.  S.  26th. — I  have  this  day  finished  with  Henry  Childs,  and 
paid  him  £\2.  los.  interest.  He  is  a  close  man.  We  have  not 
heard  from  thee  since  /br,  now  nine  months. 

One  Squire  Ash,  a  gentleman  of  an  estate,  parts,  and  educa- 
tion, a  friend  to  this  country,  lately  arrived  here  from  Carolina, 
goes  over  with  Edward  Shippen.  He  has  made  great  obser- 
vations, and  is  worth  notice.  I  send  the  registers  of  vessels  in 
a  distinct  packet,  inscribed  "  for  the  Queen's  service,"  per  Ed- 
ward Shippen;  also  a  copy  of  the  answers  to  Col.  Quarry's  arti- 
cles, in  another  packet.  In  another  packet,  by  itself,  I  send  the 
invoice  and  bills  of  lading  to  S.  Vaus,  least  thou  should  be  out 
of  town. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  (^th  ^th-mo.,  1703. 

By  Puckle  and  Edward  Shippen,  in  the  Experiment  —  which 
sailed  hence  last  week  —  I  have  been  large,  since  which  I  have 
received  thine  by  R.  Janney  and  the  Messenger,  both  safely 
arrived  with  Councillor  Mompesson,  whose  presence,  had  Gov. 
Hamilton  lived,  had  brought  us  into  the  most  excellent  order; 
but  Providence  is  pleased,  for  reasons  best  known  to  His  all- 
seeing  eye,  to  dispose  our  affairs  otherwise. 

I  shall  not  now  undertake  to  answer  thy  last,  the  Messenger 
designing  back  in  a  little  time,  but  send  this  only  to  notify 
their  arrival,  in  case  it  may,  by  the  eastward,  find  an  opportu- 
nity of  coming  to  hand  before  her ;  and  again  to  press  thee  to 
make  some  further  provision  for  this  place,  the  first  step  to 
which  may  be  to  send  a  new  commission  to  the  council,  mak- 
ing R.  Mompesson  president,  with  a  considerable  power  vested 
in  him  alone,  till  a  governor  can  be  again  approved,  which  is 
absolutely  necessary  for  thy  interest,  and  taking  in  as  many 
churchmen  or  jurors  as  possible,  such  as  Charles  Read,  R.  Ashe- 
ton,  the  collector,  if  the  commissioners  there  would  think  it 
proper ;  William  Trent,  but  he  will  scarce  act,  I  suppose.  A. 
Paxton  is  not  to  be  trusted,  I  doubt,  and  I  think  I  cautioned  it 
in  my  letter.  I  question  not  but  the  detaining  Col.  Hamilton's, 
&c.,  was  no  other  than  a  design,  and  a  base  one  too-,  when  the 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  201 

Others  were  sent  up  before.  I  think  the  number  ought  not  to 
be  above  a  dozen  or  fifteen,  of  which  five  a  quorum,  and  that 
number  at  least  of  such  as  aforesaid. 

I  have  sent  copies  of  the  present  commission,  which,  if  mis- 
carried, the  names  and  ordinances  now  are :  Ed.  Shippen,  J. 
Guest,  W.  Clark,  S.  Carpenter,  T.  Story,  G.  Owen,  P..Pemberton, 
S.  Finney,  Caleb  Pusey,  J.  Blackfan ;  but  Ph.  Pemberton  is 
dead ;  J.  B.  not  proper,  or  G.  O.  much  so,  or  of  much  service, 
both  having  a  reluctancy,  and  tender  because  of  their  testi- 
monies, and  neither  would  take  it  ill  if  left  out  and  wrote  to. 
I  suppose  G.  Owen,  thinking  one  commission  enough,  for  which 
he  is  much  fitter.  Gov.  Hamilton  added  J.  Finney ;  but  he  was 
useless ;  and  thy  servants,  who  are  now  both  dropt,  of  course. 

This  commission  is  unhappily  deficient  in  not  reciting  the 
Duke's  deed  of  feoffment,  as  well  as  the  King's  grant,  for  the 
foundation  of  the  powers,  which  are  only  those  contained  in 
this  letter;  I  know  not  by  what  or  whose  omission.  It  will  be 
necessary,  therefore,  to  draw  the  next  very  full,  and  by  a  good 
hand,  for  former  things  of  that  kind  will  not  hold  water  now, 
giving  all  the  powers  of  government,  whatever,  to  the  whole, 
and  in  all  ordinary  affairs,  as  registering  ships,  &c.,  to  the  pres- 
ident, and  in  his  absence  —  for  Judge  Mompesson  will  be  much 
absent,  I  doubt  —  to,^  I  cannot  advise  who,  for  J.  G.'s  head  can- 
not bear  much  power,  though  'tis  mended,  I  think;  others  think 
not ;  and  E.,  S.,  &c.,  are  not  so  fit  on  the  other  account.  Pray 
let  several  duplicates  of  this  commission,  engrossed  and  signed 
with  warranties  for  the  great  seal  to  be  affixe-d,  be  sent  by  all 
opportunities,  as  Barbadoes  packet-boats,  York  and  Boston, 
either  from  London  or  the  out  parts,  being  of  such  importance, 
both  to  thyself  and  us ;  for  thy  despatches  and  packets  have, 
hitherto,  lain  long,  as  mine  has  now  done,  at  York,  above  three 
months,  and  my  last  by  Puckle  will,  I  doubt,  at  Virginia. 

I  know  not  wha't  skins  or  furs  I  shall  get  to  send  by  the  Mes- 
senger. What  I  had,  viz.,  one  chest,  is  gone  by  Puckle,  and  one 
hogshead  bear-skins  by  the  Experiment.  As  I  have  often  said, 
they  are  not  to  be  purchased  without  Indian  goods.     If,  there- 

I  [Sic. — Editor.] 


202  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

fore,  thou  would   engage  with   any  adventurer  who  can    and 
will  buy  goods  at  the  best  hand  to  send  over,  to  the  value  of 
80  or  100  sterling,  of  strouds,  duffelds,  powder,  small  bar  lead, 
shirts,  good  cheap  guns,  &c.,  at  a  time,  and  agree  to  pay  him 
here,   125,  30,  40,  or,  rather   than    fail,   150  per  cent.,  if  well 
brought,  upon  the  first  cost,  not  the  bottom  of  the  invoice,  and 
order  them  to  pay  for  them  according,  I  could  make  returns 
that  way  more  effectually,  and  would  answer  thee  in  all  respects. 
But  I  would  not  have  them  consigned  to  me  to  make  returns 
for  them ;  and  if  it  were  possible  to  agree  to  take  country  pro- 
duce  for  them,  if  being  very   well   bought  there,  thou   might 
venture  to  give  160  per  cent. ;  for  they  are  bulky  goods  mostly, 
and  take  much  freight.     None  sells  here  now  under  150,  many 
for  175.     But  to  expect  to   have  the   Indian   trade   secured   to 
them,  is  as  vain  as  to  expect  they  will  make  offerings  of  their 
whole  estates  to  them.     The  merchants  will  never  bear  it.    Con- 
trivance and  management  may  give  thee  a  share  with  the  rest, 
and   more  is   not  to  be   depended  on.     P.  Parmenter   is  just 
arrived  here  from  York,  the  first  time  since  thy  departure.     He 
affirms  Lord  Cornbury  is   in  the  wrong  interest  for  this  place, 
notwithstanding  professions,  and  desires  this  government  to  be 
annexed.     Col.  Quary  I  know  is  great  with  him.     Gov.  Nichol- 
son and  his  company,  J.  More,  also,   were  very  great  there. 
The  council  has  wrote  a  civil  letter  to  him  on  the  governor's 
death,  three  posts  ago,  but  is  not  answered. 

There  is  one  George  Roach  lately  arrived  here  from  Antigua, 
a  very  rich  and  good-natured  man.  He  is  great  with  S.  Holt, 
otherwise,  perhaps,  might  be  fit  for  the  council,  but  cannot  with 
certainty  advise.  Pray  be  pleased  to  remember  the  present 
council,  because  of  the  Queen's  late  -orders ;  and  in  registering 
ships  can  scarce  do  anything.  Ifear  New  York  will  hurt  Judge 
Mompesson  as  to  us.  P.  Parmenter  is  not  in  favor  with  Lord 
Cornbury,  which  makes  his  information  the  less  certain,  but  it 
may  be  too  true.  I  must,  with  due  respects  and  in  all  dutiful- 
ness,  conclude.     Thy  most  faithful  and  obedient  servant, 

James  Logan. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  2O3 

Isaac  Norris  to  Jonathan  Dickinson. 

Philadelphia,  the  2>th  of  dth-mo.,  1703, 
Dear  Friend  Jonathan  Dickinson  : — 

I  could  not  sell  the  iron  together,  or  any  considerable  quan- 
tity, there  being  much  in  country,  and  it  being  all  Spanish  and 
rusty,  was  slighted.  T.  M.  once  seemed  inclinable  to  give  36 
per  cwt.  for  it,  the  pay  in  bread 

Before  thy  order  came  about  paying  five  pounds  to  the  free 
school,  brother  Preston  and  I  had  added  20s.  per  annum  to  thy 
subscription  for  the  remaining  time,  as  we  did  from  our  own  ;  so 
....  that  at  present,  unless  thou  further  order.  I  have  spoke 
to  brother  and  sister  Preston  about  the  children's  .  .  .  }  and  do 
not  perceive  but  what  thy  offers  will  give  content ;  and  be 
assured  they  shall  want  no  assistance  of  money  for  clothing  or 
anything  needful.  My  sister  gives  one  of  the  schoolmasters 
his  entertainment,  chiefly  on  their  account ;  and  I  think  by  that 
means  they  are  broke  of  a  habit  of  crying,  and  being  averse  to 
shout  very  much,  and  all  done  with  kindness  ;  and  there  is  in 
the  main  a  good  understanding  between  the  little  sparks  and 
their  masters. 

As  to  that  about  tradesmen  here,  there  are  several  talk  of 
going  over  as  bricklayers  or  carpenters,  and  two  or  three  sets 
of  sawyers.  I  cannot  find  any  of  them  willing  to  contract  but 
on  unreasonable  terms,  they  being  blown  up  as  if  it  is  nothing 
but  to  jump  into  an  estate  there  presently.  However  this,  I 
shall  endeavor  to  get  them  to  promise  the  refusal  of  their  ser- 
vices, and  therefore  'twill  be  well  that  Ezekiel,  or  somebody, 
be  prepared  and  ready  to  meet  and  treat  with  them  I  shall 
recommend  to  him. 

As  to  the  land  at  Susquehanna,  nothing  is  done  further  yet ; 
but  young  Wm.  Penn  being  expected,  then  somewhat  will  be 
done.  The  settlement  of  those  lands  at  the  head  of  N.  East 
river,  or  Octoraro,  seems  to  give  value  to  our  Susquehanna. 
.  .  .  .  Our  place  is,  considering  the  time  of  year,  very  healthy. 

*  [Illegible.  —  Editor.] 


204  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

Thy  children  are  well,  and  our  family.  G.  Claypoole  applies  him- 
self to  Martha,^  I  know  not  how 't  will  go,  who,  with  her  two  sons, 
are  still  with  us ;  we  expect  brother  to  fetch  her  at  our  Yearly 
Meeting.  Samuel  Bownas  is  ill.  The  Friends  lately  from  Eng- 
land, Thos.  and  Josiah,  we  understand,  are  well,  in  Barbadoes. 
Things  among  Friends,  in  the  main,  well  here.  The  Bank  meet- 
ing-house will  be  finished  against  the  meeting.  Here  are  more 
good  houses  built  this  summer  than  ever  I  knew  in  one  since  I 
came  to  the  country.  T.  Masters  has  built  a  stately  one,  five 
stories  from  the  lower  street,  and  three  above  the  upper,  at  the 
corner  of  High  Street.  A.  Bickle  has  built  another  three-story, 
at  the  corner  next  Wm.  Hudson's. 

With  dear  love  to  my  good  friend  Mary,  thy  father,  and  you 
all,  I  conclude.  Thy  affectionate  friend, 

Isaac  Norris. 


Charles  Read  to  Jonathan  Dickinson. 
\_Extract.']  Philadelphia,  August  17,  1703. 

....  Blessed  be  God,  we  are  peaceful  and  very  healthful, 
both  in  town  and  country.  The  Lord  Cornbury  is  now  in  this 
town,  having  published  his  commission  for  the  government  of 
the  Jerseys,  at  Burlington,  on  Friday  last.  What  will  become 
of  the  government  we  know  not  as  yet.  The  death  of  our 
Governor  Hamilton  has  broke  all  our  measures.  I  doubt  we 
shall  not  be  so  happy  in  another,  he  being  an  affable,  moderate 
man,  and,  as  far  as  I  could  observe,  free  from  that  avaricious 
humor  too  predominate  among  us 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

WORMINGHURST,   27/A  6th-mo.,    1703. 

I  have  heard,  by  two  letters,  from  my  cousin  Parmiter,  from 
New  York,  one  of  the  3d,  the  other  of  23d  of  the  last  3d-mo., 
of  the  death  of  Col.  Hamilton,  and  by  the  last  that  he  died  at 
Amboy.  That  being  an  affair  which  much  affects  me  and  the 
province,  I  hoped  to  have  heard  from  thee  about  it  at  the  first 

^  Martha  Hoskins. — L. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  205 

opportunity,  anywhere  upon  the  continent.  Next,  the  Lord 
Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations  took  notice  to  me  of 
the  present  insufficiency  of  the  government  in  Pennsylvania, 
because  the  first  of  the  council  was  not  able  to  register  ships, 
administer  an  oath,  or  perform  some  other  requisites  in  govern- 
ment, while  three  or  four  of  the  council  were  churchmen,  and 
of  age  and  experience  in  affairs;  and  no  matter  who  of  the 
council  transacted  them,  so  that  they  were  qualified  to  do  it ; 
and  that  by  our  constitution  our  Friends  were  so  for  the  admin- 
istration of  our  government.  It  went  over  till  a  letter  came 
from  Lord  Cornbury,  your  great  friend}  importing  a  representa- 
tive from  the  Church  of  England  with  you,  to  him,  complaining 
of  a  man's  being  lately  sentenced  to  death  by  a  jury  of  Quakers, 
not  only  not  sworn,  but  not  attested,  according  to  the  act  of 
Parliament  in  England;  to  which  I  answered  I  had  heard  nothing 
of  it,  and  so  soon  as  any  advices  came,  should  inform  them  of 
it.  In  the  mean  time  it  was  not  to  be  thought  that  a  colony 
and  constitution  of  government  made  by  and  for  Quakers,  would 
leave  themselves,  and  their  lives  and  fortunes,  out  of  so  essen- 
tial a  part  of  the  government  as  juries ;  that  there  and  here 
differed  much,  as  we  had  never  gone  thither  with  our  lives  and 
substance,  to  be  so  precarious  in  our  security  as  not  to  be  capa- 
ble of  being  a  juryman.  If  the  coming  of  others  shall  overrule 
us  that  are  the  originals,  and  made  it  a  country,  we  are  unhappy; 
that  it  is  not  to  be  thought  we  intended  no  easier  nor  better 
terms  for  ourselves,  in  going  to  America,  than  we  left  behind 
us.  As  yet,  this  has  allayed  the  spirit  of  the  objectors ;  but  of 
none  of  this  have  I  a  word,  which  has  been  some  concern  to  me. 
Pray  let  me  hear  oftener.  I  have  not  had  one  penny,  conse- 
quently, towards  my  support,  since  the  taking  of  the  two  ships 
I  advised  thee  of,  and  lived  in  town  ever  since  I  came  over,  at 
no  small  expense,  having  not  been  three  months  of  the  twenty 
I  have  been  in  England  absent  from  court,  putting  all  the  time 
together  that  I  have  been  at  this  place  and  Bristol,  from  whence 
I  came  three  weeks  ago,  and  was  there  but  about  fourteen  or 
sixtt.  days,  on  occasion  of  my  wife's  lying  in,  who  this  day 
month  was  brought  to  bed  of  a  daughter,  whom  we  call  Han- 

'  [The  italics  are  Penn's.  — Editor.] 


206  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

nah   Margarita.'     They,  with   my  two   sons,   were  lately  well, 
and  so  am  I,  I  bless  God,  at  present. 

I  did,  upon  the  news  of  the  death  of  Col.  Hamilton,  imme- 
diately apply  to  the  Queen  for  another  governor,  and  named  one 
here,  as  a  disinterested  person,  which  she  referred,  by  Lord  Not- 
ingham,  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  who  lost  no  time  in  reporting 
in  his  favor,  so  that  he  quickly  obtained  the  Queen's  approba- 
tion, and  is  now  ready  to  embark,  with  his  commission  and 
instructions  from  me,  and  instructions  from  the  Lords  about 
the  acts  of  trade  only.  He  is  a  young  man,  not  above  six-and- 
twenty,  but  sober  and  sensible,  entirely  in  my  interest,  as  far  as 
he  may  go,  and  the  son  of  an  old  friend  of  mine,  that  valued 
me  not  a  little.  He  will  be  discreet,  advisable,  and  especially 
by  the  best  of  our  friends,  and  thyself,  as  the  best  verst  and 
most  knowing  in  my  affairs,  as  well  as  engaged  in  my  interest. 
He  will  early  apply  to  S.  Carpenter,  Ed.  Shippen,  Isaac  Norris, 
Richard  Hill,  and  honest  Griffith  Owen,  his  countryman,  but 
especially  to  thee,  in  the  first  place,  for  the  reasons  aforesaid, 
even  how  to  demean  towards  them,  least  there  should  be  any 
alteration  in  their  tempers  or  inclinations  of  them.  His  name 
is  John  Evans,^  and  Welshmen  are  mightily  akin ;  perhaps  it 
may  have  some  influence  on  the  parson.^  I  also  recommend 
him  to  Col.  Markham,  cousin  Asheton,  T.  Ffarmer,  &c.,  in 
which  give  him  thy  hints.  He  will  hear  Friends,  and  goes  pos- 
sessed with  the  justice  and  reason  of  their  case ;  and  the  rest  I 
must  leave  to  you  upon  the  spot;  but  my  son  will  tell  thee 
more  of  the  motives  to  this  choice.  He  has  been  at  all  the 
charge  I  bore  for  Col.  Hamilton,  and  got  his  own  security,  and 


'  This  child  died  in  1708.  William  Penn  left  two  daughters,  by  the 
first  wife,  Letitia  Aubrey,  and  by  the  second  wife  Margaret,  married 
to  Thomas  Freame,  Esq.  Letitia  had  no  children,  Lady  Crcmorne 
is  the  only  descendant  of  Margaret. — L. 

'J.  Norris,inaletterofthesame  year, says:  ''The  governor  (J.  Evans) 
has  sense,  and  hitherto  carries  very  well.  Col.  Quary  is  Surveyor- 
General  of  the  Customs  and  Judge  of  the  Admiralty  here  again,  and 
John  Moore  (since  the  death  of  honest  Bewley,  last  first-day,  suddenly) 
is  the  Collector  appointed  by  the  Colonel."  — L. 

"  [The  Rev.  Evan  Evans,  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia,  is 
nere"  referred  to.  He  was  sent  over  as  a  missionary  by  Compton, 
Bishop  of  London.  —  Editor.] 


1703]  CORRESPONDENCE.  20/ 

gave  me  no  trouble  on  that  account.  He  shows  not  much,  but 
has  a  good  deal  to  show,  and  will  grow  upon  the  esteem  of  the 
better  sort.  He  has  travelled,  and  seen  armies,  but  never  been 
in  them.  Book  learning,  as  to  men  and  government,  he  inclines 
to,  carries  over  some  good  books,  and  expects,  among  mine 
and  thine,  to  help  himself  with  more.  Give  him,  as  soon  as  he 
comes,  a  hint  of  persons  and  things,  and  guide  his  reading,  I 
wish  him  to  my  cousin  Asheton's^  or  cousin  Markham's  to 
board,  unless  he,  my  son,  Mompesson  his  friend,  and  thou 
should  take  a  house  among  you.  I  allow  him  two  hundred 
pounds,  that  money  per  an.,  which  will  be  sterling,  or  at  most 
at  the  New  England  sterling ;  by  that  time  the  Queen  returns 
from  the  Bath.  I  gave  thee  a  hint  of  the  design  of  altering  the 
coin,  in  some  of  my  last  letters.  Pray  act  therein  for  the  best 
advantage. 

Now  I  am  to  tell  thee,  that  when  I  told  the  lords  Col.  Ham- 
ilton was  dead,  Secretary  Blathwait  answered  me:  "  ^^'rn  there 
is  dead  the  man,  of  all  the  rest,  that  has  ivrit  against  proprietary 
governments,  the  most  neatly  and  strongly!'  I  replied  :  ''And  yet 
tvith  what  difficulty,  besides  charge,  did  I  obtain  that  enemy  of  my 
interest,  and  friend  to  yours,  to  be  my  deputy  governor!'  But  his 
moderation  about  the  affairs  of  New  York  renewed  a  good 
opinion  of  him,  and  I  believe,  had  he  lived,  by  the  help  of  his 
friends  here,  he  had  been  favored  in  his  concerns.  But  of  this 
passage  of  Secretary  Blathwait  say  nothing,  unless  under  secrecy 


'  "The  young  proprietor,  the  governor,  and  Secretary  Logan,  all  keep 
house  at  Clark's  Hall,  which  is  completely  fitted  up."  This  house- 
keeping was  the  source  of  much  trouble  and  expense  to  the  secretary, 
the  governor  insisting  that  his  expenses  were  to  be  paid  by  the  govern- 
ment. —  L. 

Governor  Evans  was  accompanied  to  Pennsylvania  by  the  proprie- 
tor's son,  William,  and  their  arrival  was  quite  unexpected  by  the  peo- 
ple ;  an  old  letter  of  Samuel  Preston's  of  the  date  of  1704,  says:  "I 
need  not  tell  thee  that  we  have  a  governor,  together  with  our  proprie- 
tary's son,  supposing  thou  art  already  acquainted  with  it,  whose  com- 
ing was  no  small  surprise,  having  no  account  thereof  till  themselves 
brought  us  the  certificate  that  such  was  in  town,  and  strange  it  was  to 
have  a  deputy  of  William  Penn's  appointment  clothed  with  the 
Queen's  approbation,  a  man,  though  young,  commended  for  conduct, 
temper,  and  moderation." — L. 


208  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l703- 

to  S.  Carpenter,  or  S.  Jennings,  or  Francis  Davenport :  but  those 
two  may  remember  at  Gov.  Hamilton's  house,  at  Burlington, 
I  told  you  this,  as  my  jealousy,  at  least  to  Davenport  and 
Gardner,  and  elsewhere  to  Samuel  Jennings  more  than  once,  I 
suppose  to  ingratiate  himself  against  they  became  king's  gov- 
ernments ;  but  I  could  have  as  soon  picked  a  pocket,  or  denied 
my  friend  or  name,  considering  the  bread  he  cat  was,  for  fifteen 
or  sixteen  years  running,  by  proprietary  government.  But  what 
shall  a  man  say  of  this  wretched  world  ?  ^  I  am  with  Council- 
lor West,  endeavoring  to  serve  his  creditors  and  family  about 
the  post,  however.^  I  wrote  to  thee  thrice  since  the  receipt  of 
any  from  thee  :  one  by  a  ship  directly  to  New  England,  directed 
to  Daniel  Zachary  ;  another  by  Col.  Usher:  but  that  ship  touches 
at  New  Foundland,  inclosed  also  to  Daniel  Zachary  ;  and  another 
by  way  of  New  York,  directed  to  the  postmaster  of  that  place, 
as  I  remember.     I  wrote  one  to  John. 

The  story  of  the  money  will  be  told  thee  by  the  deputy  gov- 
ernor, and  more  fully  by  my  son,'  who  comes  to  see  how  he 
likes,  and  to  stay,  or  return  to  fetch  his  wife,  or  settle  here. 
I  refer  thee  to  my  former  letters  for  what  concerns  him,  and  thy 
respect  and  care  of  him  every  way.  He  aims  to  improve  his 
study  this  winter  with  thee,  as  well  as  to  know  the  country,  the 
laws  and  people  thereof,  and  his  interest  and  mine  therein. 
Use  thy  utmost  influence  upon  him  to  make  him  happy  in  him- 

'  [I  am  unable  to  clear  up  the  obscurity,  in  more  than  one  respect, 
of  these  passages.  Penn,  however,  it  is- plain,  refers  to  the  expression 
to  Davenport  and  Gardner  at  Gov.  Hamilton's,  at  Burlington,  of  some 
^^ jealousy,'"  or  apprehension,  as  to  the  character  of  the  deceased  gen- 
tleman's views  on  the  subject  of  proprietary  governments.  It  is  pos- 
sible he  may  not  have  known  the  extent  of  their  unfriendliness, 
although  we  are  left  in  doubt,  whether  Penn's  reply  to  the  secretary 
was  uttered  under  the  emotion  of  surprise,  or  with  a  previous  knowl- 
edge of  the  facts  communicated  by  him. — Editor.] 

'■'It  was  obtained  for  one  of  Governor  Hamilton's  sons  by  William 
Penn.  —  L. 

'Our  young  proprietary  seems  to  like  the  country,  and  talks  of  fetch- 
ing his  family;  but  by  endeavoring  to  sell  off  all  his  lands  he  must 
give  me  leave  to  think  otherwise.  He  goes  to  no  other  worship,  and 
sometimes  comes  to  meetings;  he  is  good-natured,  and  loves  com- 
pany, but  that  of  Friends  is  too  dull.  I  say  this  much  to  answer  thy 
request. — Isaac  Norris  to  J.  Dickinson,  2^th  <^th-mo.,  1704.  —  L. 


I/03.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  209 

self  and  me  in  him ;  watch  over  him  for  good,  qualify  his  heats, 
inform  his  judgment,  increase  his  knowledge;  he  has  a  more 
than  ordinary  opinion  of  thee  :  advise  him  to  proper  company, 
give  him  fitting  hints  how  far  to  go,  he  being  naturally  but  too 
open;  and  prevent  his  quarrelling  with  our  enemies,  an  advan- 
tage they  may  improve  to  our  common  prejudice.  In  short, 
keep  him  inoffensively  employed,  at  those  times  that  he  is  not 
profitably  concerned.  Let  the  first  be  the  country,  its  laws  and 
constitutions,  the  settlement  of  the  town  and  counties,  in  short, 
the  true  state  of  the  case :  then  study,  with  intervals  in  the 
woods  and  upon  the  waters,  where  I  should  be  glad  such  com- 
pany as  Isaac  Norris,  Samuel  Preston,  and  sometimes  Samuel 
Carpenter,  and  Richard  Hill,  as  well  as  the  young  Shippens, 
would  be  so  kind.  Cousin  Asheton,  Mompesson,  and  T.  Ffarmer, 
if  not  worse  than  formerly,  would  be  well  enough  sometimes 
also. 

I  hope  I  need  not  bid  thee  take  care  to  lay  thy  hand  upon 
some  choice  discovery  of  land,  where  there  is  water,  meadow, 
timber,  and  risings,  to  clap  some  old  purchases  upon,  that  some 
of  my  friends  are  buying  of  first  undertakers,  a  word  to  the  wise. 

I  am  now  to  tell  thee  that  I  am  to  make  my  daughter's  lots 
and  lands  up  2,000  sterling  to  Wm.  Aubrey,  and  what  yet  is 
wanting,  a  farm  in  England  is  to  supply  that  deficiency,  though  I 
hope  her  interest  is  better  worth  there ;  and  tell  the  trustees 
sell,  for  so  it  is  to  be  called,  sell  as  thou  wilt  hear  from  him,  or 
his  attorneys,  Richard  Hill  and  his  poor  heady  brother-in-law, 
but  advise  them  to  secrecy.  Thou  art  to  pay  them  at  the  rate  of 
one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds  sterling  value,  which  is,  I  sup- 
pose, one  hundred  and  sixty  of  your  present  money,  in  which  be 
exact. 

Let  me  per  first  opportunity  have  thy  sense  of  my  interest 
of  the  lowering  of  money  to  English  standard,  or  New  Eng- 
gland's  at  least;  whether  it  will  be  better  [obliterated]  or  thy 
reasons  why  not. 

I  think  to  send  thee  the  Queen's  repeal  of  the  money 
law :  but  that  is  to  be  a  secret,  for  though  the  Lords  of 
Trade  brought  it  to  that  without  my  knowledge,  yet  upon  my 
memorial  to  the  Queen  for  a  standard,  or  all  would  be  in   con- 

VOL.  I. —  15 


210  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

fusion,  the  lords  desired  me,  after  hearing  me,  that  I  would 
keep  the  repeal  by  me  till  they  had  made  the  general  repre- 
sentation, which  is  at  the  standard  of  Boston,  because  their  law 
was  confirmed  by  King  William,  otherwise  would  reduce  it  to 
English  standard  ;  what  obstructs  the  delivery  of  it  to  the  Queen 
in  council  is  the  nicety  of  two  of  their  board;  one  would  give 
three  or  six  months  to  the  end  pre-contracts  may  have  time  to 
be  paid  off.  The  other  would  have  them  exempted  in  general 
without  naming  any  time;  the  rest  think  the  object  trivial,  and 
have  signed  without  regard  to  pre-contracts,  and  argued  from 
none  being  provided  for  in  our  own  laws  upon  raising  the  coin 
three  times,  nor  in  England  at  the  rise  and  fall  of  guineas,  nor 
in  other  nations,  as  Ireland,  France,  or  Holland,  where  it  varies 
most  of  all.  In  case  it  is  for  my  advantage,  and  is  no  detriment 
to  the  public,  publish  the  repeal ;  if  not,  keep  it  by  thee  and 
unknown.  I  have  a  duplicate  by  me  if  asked  for,  and  no  obli- 
gation upon  me  to  answer  their  request  after  doing  this  thing 
without  my  knowledge.^ 

For  my  government  I  refer  thee  to  the  deputy  governor,  and 
my  son  more  inwardly,  entreat  our  friends  to  gain  him  all  they 
can,  and  never  speak  or  report  anything  of  him  to  his  dispar- 
agement behind  his  back,  but  tell  him  of  it,  and  he  has  that 
reasonableness  and  temper  in  him  to  take  it  kindly.  Be  as  much 
as  possible  in  his  company  for  that  reason,  and  suffer  him  not 
to  be  in  any  public  house  after  the  allowed  hours. 

I  shall  write  to  the  council  to  represent  how  it  is  taken  that 
there  is  no  settled  revenue  in  the  province  to  answer  the 
exigencies  of  government,  especially  for  a  governor,  a  judge, 
and  an  attorney-general :  without  this  be  gone  in  hand  with,  I 
fear  our  own  enemies  there  will  have  but  too  plausible  a  pre- 
tence against  us  here,  especially  in  war  time. 

Pray  represent  this  to  Edward  Shippen,  Samuel  Carpenter, 
Richard  Hill,  Griffith  Owen,  &c.,  &c.  I  fear  we  shall  have  none 
of  our  laws  that  we  most  desire ;  and  but  an  ordinary  bargain 
shall  I  be  able  to  make  for  them  or  myself  if  they  will   not  go 

^  The  proclamation  about  the  money  w£is  duly  published,  but  the 
people  do  not  as  yet  regard  it :  there  is  not  a  man  in  the  province  but 
takes  money  at  the  old  rate.  — Letter  of  James  Logan.  —  L. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  211 

to  a  small  custom  on  imports  and  exports,  and  an  excise.  I 
can't  bear  the  burden  as  I  have  done  tiiese  twenty-two  years, 
save  when  I  was  last  with  you ;  that  foolish  covetousness  of  theirs 
is  so  far  from  good  husbandry,  that  it  will  be  found  money  ill- 
saved  at  long  run.  I  fear  laws  will  be  made  here  to  rule  us  there, 
if  we  are  so  stout  and  stingy;  but  I  will  say  no  more  of  this, 
save  if  we  had  done  like  men  we  had  not  been  now  in  the  pre- 
carious circumstances  we  are. 

I  hope  by  this  time  thou  hast  got  in  the  ^1,000  of  S.  Carpen- 
ter subscribed  by  the  people  for  my  support,  as  also  the  2,000, 
and  the  remainder  of  the  customs  and  excise,  and  if  so,  send  it 
not  over,  unless  in  valuable  goods;  and  mind,  pray  and  get  me 
clear  and  easy  in  my  private  capacity  as  well  as  the  public 
affairs  of  government;  for  I  have  been  involved  by  my  public 
spiritedness  both  there,  and  to  be  sure  here ;  once  more,  pray 
expedite  the  sale  of  my  daughter's  lands  and  lots,  and  disen- 
gage me  from  the  interest  I  am  to  afford  till  paid ;  if  it  be  de- 
layed I  shall  think  myself  wronged. 

The  wind  has  come  about,  and  I  must  break  off;  but  before 
I  do,  pray  let  me  have  no  more  money  laid  out  at  Penns- 
bury,  and  see  that  its  produce,  at  least,  defrays  its  charges ;  and 
since  my  son  aims  at  thy  company  more  than  any  other  thing, 
pray  let  him  be  constantly  with  thee  and  not  keep  any  expense 
at  Pennsbury,  at  entertainments,  &c. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

6fli-fHfl.,  1703. 

[Extracts  from  a  decayed  letter  from  William  Penn,  and  proba- 
bly dated  about  this  period  :  it  is  superscribed,  "  To  my  trusty 
and  well-beloved  friend,  James  Logan,  secretary  of  the  govern- 
ment and  proprietary  of  Pennsylvania,  America." — L.] 

....  I  am  solicited  about  George  Fox's  gift  —  indeed  it  was 
mine  to  him  ;  and  therefore  must  take  the  liberty  to  say,  that 
for  the  request  I  a  little  admire  at  it.  The  most  considerable  of 
those  who  sign  it  must  know  it  was  so;  I  shall  willingly  allow 
a  field  of  twenty  acres,  or  twenty-five  acres  for  Friends'  use,  out 


212  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [l/OS- 

of  liberty  lands,  near  any^  meeting;  but  to  allow  it  out  of  the 
city  lots  is  what  I  will  never  do,  unless  I  was  upon  the  spot.  I 
still  remember  the  collops  cut  out  of  my  own  and  my  son's  and 
daughter's  concerns  in  my  former  absence,  and  will  suffer  none 
of  those  things  to  be  acted  again.  I  have  not  forgot  lot  N.  N., 
where  our  meeting-house  stands  ; "  it  was  reserved  for  Tishe,  who, 
as  per  the  list,  it  appears  is  without  any  High  Street  lot  at  all, 
now  that  is  gone.  I  know  who  urge  these  difficulties  upon  me, 
but  alas,  they  are  in  the  power  of  one  greater  than  I  am  to 
humble,  distress,  and  bring  them  to  reflection  ;  one  would  think 
the  hand  of  God  had  been  so  legible  upon  them  ;  one  in  the 
loss  of  an  only  lovely  jeweP  and  the  other  of  his  Christian  and 
civil  reputation,  which  ought  so  to  mark  him  as  never  to  be 
employed  in  either  civil  or  church  capacity,  till  a  pure  repent- 
ance* and  purgation  has  restored  him:  in  short,  make  this  matter 
as  easy  as  may  be,  the  land  granted  from  the  mill  at  town's  end 
would  have  done  the  business.*  ....  However,  I  will  have  his 
name  who  honored  truth  above  all  men  (George  Fox)  and  loved 
me,  but  in  my  own  way  and  time.  I  will  not  be  dictated  to.  I 
can  satisfy  thee  I  have  writ  to  none  anything  that  can  give  them 
the  least  occasion  against  thee. 

The  gentleman*  who  brings  this   is  constituted  Judge  of  the 

'  On  the  Germantown  Road,  around  Fairhill  meeting-house,  was  the 
lot  allowed  as  George  Fox's  bequest  to  the  Society  of  Friends.  —  L. 

^  At  the  time  of  this  letter  Friends  had  a  meeting-house  near  the 
Centre  Square,  High  Street.  N.  N.  means  not  numbered.  The  lot 
was  at  the  S.  W.  corner  of  Market  and  Second  Streets,  where  Friends' 
meeting-house  formerly  stood  :  granted  in  Gov.  Markham's  time.  — L. 

'The  person  here  alluded  to  was  probably  David  Lloyd,  whose  con- 
troversy with  the  proprietor  was  well  known,  and  will  hereafter  be 
much  spoken  of  in  this  work.  He  lost  his  only  child,  a  son,  about 
this  time,  in  a  very  affecting  manner.  His  wife,  a  most  excellent 
woman,  Avas  sister  to  Lawrence  Growdon,  of  Bucks  County.  — L. 

*This  repentance  appears  to  have  taken  place:  the  person  here 
meant  forsook  all  public  employment  and  became  religious.  — L. 

"[The  Globe  Mill  afterward  stood  on  its  site.  — Editor.] 

®  \_Extract  of  a  letter  from  Safnuel  Preston.'\ 

"Philadelphia,  \T^fh  6th-mo.,  1703. 
....  to  the  no  small  surprise  Tundoubtedly)  of  Col.  Quary,  ar- 
rived here,  as  soon  (or  before)  report,  one  Roger  Mompesson,  Judge 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  213 

Admiralty  of  Pennsylvania,  the  Jerseys,  and  New  York,  and  is 
yet  willing  to  be  my  attorney-general,  to  rectify  matters  in  law, 
and  to  put  you  into  better  methods ;  in  which  respect  he  is,  by 
the  judicious  here,  thought  to  be  very  able.  Get  him  a  suitable^ 
sober  house  to  diet  in,  as  well  as  lodge.  If  you  were  together, 
't  were  for  thy  advantage  in  many  respects.  It  is  a  moderate 
churchman,  knows  the  world  here,  has  been  in  two  several  Par- 
liaments, and  recorder  of  Southampton  ;  only  steps  abroad  to 
ease  his  fortune  of  some  of  his  father's  debts,  he  was  early  un- 
warily engaged  for.  It  is  a  favorite  of  Lord  Cornbury's  father, 
the  Earl  of  Clarendon.  I  have  granted  him  a  commission  for 
chief  justice,  in  case  the  people  will  lay  hold  of  such  an  oppor- 
tunity as  no  government  in  America  ever  had  before,  of  an 
English  lawyer,  and  encourage  him  by  a  proper  salary  of  at 
least  £100,  if  not  150,  per  annum  ;  for  [obliterated]  his  business 
chiefly  relates  to  their  property  and  that  [obliterated]. 

My  son  (having  life)  resolves  to  be  with  you  per  first  oppor- 
tunity. His  wife,  this  day  week,  was  delivered  of  a  fine  boy,  as 
I  found  when  I  came  home  in  the  evening,  and  which  he  has 
called  William  ;  so  that  now  we  are  major,  minor,  and  minimus. 
I  bless  the  Lord,  mine  are  pretty  well :  Johnne  lively,  Tommee 
a  lovely,  large  child,  and  my  grandson  Springett  a  mere  Saracen, 
his  sister  a  beauty,  For  news,  domestic  and  foreign,  I  refer 
thee  to  the  bearer,  above  all  books  and  persons  that  have  gone 
hence  to  you,  excepting  only  those  who  have  gone  on  truth's 
account.  We  are  generally  well  and  easy.  Jn,  Hignal,  T.  Gil- 
pin Perrin,  deceased.  Give  my  love  to  all  Friends  and  to  officers 
in  government ;  my  remembrance  also  to  T.  S.  and  Mary, 
of  whose  care  and  faithfulness  I  have  no  doubt.  My  wife  joins 
me  in  the  same,  and  to  thyself,  with  a  frequent  remembrance 


for  the  Admiralty  ;  famed  a  man  of  great  abilities,  free,  it  is  said,  from 
prejudices  or  party,  of  integrity,  friendly  to  Governor  Penn,  and  as  it 
is  thought,  like  to  be  a  happiness  to  this  place." 

The  singularity  of  the  name  has  made  me  fancy  this  gentleman  was 
the  son  of  the  pious  and  courageous  rector  of  Eyam,  who,  in  discharg- 
ing the  duties  of  his  station  in  a  humbler  sphere,  appears  to  have  been 
actuated  by  the  same  philanthropic  and  Christian  spirit  as  the  good 
Bishop  of  Marseilles  or  the  humane  Howard.  See  the  first  volume 
of  Anpe  Seward's  Letters.  —  L. 


214  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

of  thy  diligence  for  us,  and  a  concern  that  nothing  is  now  sent 
thee  as  a  token  thereof,  which  yet  shall  be,  if  possible;  only  I 
have  sent  some  hats,  one  for  Griffith  Owen,  and  the  other  in- 
tended for  Edward  Shippen,  which  thou  mayest  take,  with  this 
just  excuse,  that  the  brim  being  too  narrow  for  his  age  and 
height,  I  intend  him  one  with  a  larger  brim ;  for  as  soon  as  I 
saw  it  I  told  the  friend  who  made  it  [obliterated]  I  thought 
it  handsome,  though  I  pinch  here,  to  be  sure.  If  my  son  sends 
hounds,  as  he  has  provided  two  or  three  couple  of  choice  ones 
for  deer,  foxes,  and  wolves,  pray  let  care  be  taken  of  them,  and 
J.  Sotcher  quarter  them  about,  as  with  young  Biles,  &c.  I  also 
recommend  Randall  Janney  to  thee,  about  the  Susquehanna 
purchase,  to  use  him  easily  and  kindly  therein  ;  of  all  which 
more  by  my  son  ;  but  if  that  should  prove  within  Baltimore 
bounds,  I  should  make  a  county  for  him  ;  but  I  think  to  fasten 
that  matter  with  Anthony  Sharp.  I  add  no  more,  but  my  good 
wishes,  and  leave  all  to  the  secret  will-ordering  of  my  good 
God,  and  close.  Thy  real  friend,  William  Penn. 


[Part  of  a  letter  of  some  of  the  members  of  council  to  W.  Penn. 
It  has  no  date,  but  seems  to  belong  to  this  period. —  L.]^ 

May  it  please  the  proprietary  and  governor,  the  mournful 
account  of  the  late  lieutenant  governor's  decease  having  by  this 
time  reached  thee,  as  well  from  the  secretary  as  others,  we  think 
ourselves  obliged  to  acquaint  thee  with  the  circumstances  and 
proceedings  thereupon : 

Soon  as  a  council  could  meet  after  the  governor's  interment, 
we  published  our  commission,  on  the  4th  3d-mo.,  with  a  reso- 
lution to  act  in  all  things  absolutely  necessary  for  the  present 
support  of  government,  in  pursuance  of  the  powers,  till  further 
provision  could  be  made. 

But  not  long  after,  viz.,  on  the  17th  of  the  same  month,  Col. 

*  [This  appears  to  have  been  written  after  the  9th  of  5th-mo.,  1703, 
and  before  the  2d  of  7th-mo.,  1703.  Mrs.  Logan  subsequently  states 
that  Penn's  letter  of  31st  loth-nio.,  1703,  was  probably  an  answer  to 
it.  —  Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  215 

Quary  produced  to  us,  then  sitting,  an  order  of  the  Queen  in 
council,  requiring  all  magistrates  and  officers  in  this  government 
to  take  the  oath  directed  by  the  law  of  England,  or  the  affirma- 
tion allowed  by  the  said  law  to  Quakers  ;  and  that  no  judge  be 
allowed  to  sit  upon  the  bench  who  shall  not  first  take  the  oath 
of  a  judge,  or,  in  lieu  thereof,  the  afore-mentioned  affirmation, 
as  directed  by  the  law  of  England  ;  also,  that  all  persons  who 
in  England  are  obliged,  or  are  willing,  to  take  an  oath,  in  any 
public  or  judicial  proceeding,  be  admitted  so  to  do,  otherwise 
all  their  proceedings  are  declared  to  be  null  and  void. 

With  this  order,  by  directions  from  the  Lords  of  Trade  and 
Plantations,  as  Col.  Quary  declared,  all  the  courts  in  the  govern- 
ment were  served  successively,  as  they  came ;  from  which  some 
among  us,  who  too  much  make  it  their  business  to  obstruct  all 
our  affairs,  for  their  own  sinister  ends,  took  occasion  to  endeavor 
a  stop  to  the  proceedings  of  the  courts  at  that  time,  notwith- 
standing all  the  magistrates  of  this  and  most  of  the  counties 
had  really  taken  all  those  oaths  or  affirmations,  as  directed  by 
the  said  order,  upon  their  admission  to  their  respective  places. 

But  because  of  two  of  our  coimties  of  the  province,  viz., 
Chester  and  Bucks,  it  will  be  very  difficult,  and  in  Bucks  almost 
impossible,  to  find  a  sufficient  number  of  fit  persons  to  make  a 
quorum  of  justices,  that  will  take  or  administer  an  oath  :  it  will 
be  a  very  great  hardship  there  to  have  none  on  the  bench  but 
such  as  can  swear;  for  our  Friends  can  no  more  be  concerned 
in  administering  an  oath  than  they  can  take  one ;  and  in  all 
actions  where  the  case  pinches  either  party,  if  they  can,  from 
any  corner  of  the  government,  bring  in  an  evidence  that  de- 
mands an  oath,  the  cause  must  either  drop,  or  a  fit  number  of 
persons  must  be  there,  always,  to  administer  it,  though  only, 
perhaps,  on  account  of  such  an  evidence ;  a  hardship  upon  a 
people  consisting  chiefly  of  those  that  cannot  swear  at  all,  that 
we  presume  had  never  been  put  upon  us  in  those  cases  if  fully 
understood. 

The  order,  however,  appearing  positive,  several  powers,  or 
writs  of  dedimus  protestatejji,  for  the  qualification  of  the  magis- 
trates, were  necessary,  which  must  be  issued  by  the  council ; 
but  we  ourselves  not  being  qualified,  it  was  objected  that  there 


2l6  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

was  a  necessity  for  us  first  to  take  what  the  laws  required,  espe- 
cially that  enjoined  by  the  7th  or  8th  of  William  III.  for  the 
security  of  trade ;  for  administering  of  which  to  the  governor 
of  this  place,  a  dcdiinns,  under  the  great  seal  of  England,  is 
directed  to  Col.  Quary,  Richard  Halliwell,  John  Moore,  and 
Jasper  Yeates,  and  two  more  absent  or  deceased.  For  answer- 
ing this,  letters  were  sent  by  us  to  the  persons  named,  desiring 
them  to  attend  the  council  on  the  29th  4th-mo.,  to  which  time 
it  was  delayed  by  Col.  Quary's  absence,  in  order  to  discharge 
what  was  enjoined  by  the  said  dediinus  and  order  of  the  Queen. 

Accordingly  they  came  ;  first,  for  some  time,  insisting  upon 
the  surrender  of,  into  their  own  hands,  [that]  which  before  had 
been  kept  with  the  records  of  the  government.  Upon  their 
engagement  to  return  it,  it  was  delivered  to  them,  and  they 
withdrew  to  consult  what  was  proper  for  them  to  do. 

About  an  hour  after  returning,  they  delivered  up  the  dediinus 
again,  as  they  had  engaged,  but  told  the  council  that,  unless 
five  of  us,  which  number  makes  a  quorum,  would  take  the  oath 
in  express  words,  as  directed,  they  could  not  administer  it  to 
fewer. 

It  was  insisted  on  that  it  should  be  administered  to  such  of 
the  council  as  could  swear,  who  were  only  two,  and  that  if 
nothing  else  did,  yet  the  Queen's  order,  which  Col.  Quary  had 
produced,  gave  liberty  that  an  affirmation  should  be  taken  in 
all  cases  of  magistracy  where  the  person  could  not  take  the 
oath ;  and,  therefore,  if  such  should  swear  who  could,  and  the 
others,  who  in  conscience  could  not,  took  the  affirmation  as 
required  by  the  law  of  England,  to  the  same  effect,  it  might  fully 
answer  to  this,  that  there  might  be  no  obstruction  to  business 
and  the  administration  of  justice.  They  were  urged,  but  con- 
stantly refused,  and  thereupon  withdrew ;  after  which,  one  of 
them,  viz.,  Richard  Halliwell,  insultingly  made  his  boast  that 
they  had  now  laid  the  government  on  its  back,  and  left  it  sprawl- 
ing, unable  to  move  hand  or  foot. 

But  the  said  dediinus  being  also  directed  to  five  of  the  council, 
and  the  collector  of  the  customs  for  the  port  of  Philadelphia,  as 
well  as  to  the  others  before  named,  we  called  the  collector,  and 
required  of  him,  upon  the  others'  refusal,  to  discharge  his  duty 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  217 

in  this  case.  But  Col.  Quary,  having  some  influence  over  him 
by  reason  of  his  office  as  surveyor-general  of  the  river,  had 
sent  to  him  before,  and  warned  him  not  to  meddle,  upon  which 
he  also  at  that  time  refused. 

But  not  only  some  of  our  own  lawyers,  but  those  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, viz.,  J.  Regnier,  eminent  for  his  skill,  taking  some 
pains  to  inform  him,  [said]  that  it  was  indispensably  his  duty  to 
administer  the  oath,  when  required,  to  as  many  as  would  take 
it.  Being  sent  for  again,  he  complied,  and  on  the  i6th  5th-mo.- 
administered  it  in  council  to  Judge  Guest  and  Captain  Finney ; 
and  the  rest  of  us,  who  could  not  swear,  generally  took  and 
subscribed  an  affirmation  according  to  the  law  of  England  and 
the  Queen's  order,  which  was  the  utmost  we  could  do. 

This  obstruction  being  surmounted,  much  to  the  disappoint- 
ment of  our  adversaries,  we  proceeded  to  transact  what  was  of 
immediate  necessity  before  us  ;  but  through  these  men's  restless 
endeavors  find  it  extremely  difficult  fully  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  government  incumbent  upon  us,  they  taking  all  advantages 
of  throwing  in  our  way  whatever  may  perplex  us,  by  reason  of 
oaths  and  such  other  things  as  are  inconsistent  with  the  prin- 
ciples of  most  of  us;  besides  that,  many  things  occur  in  the 
administration  of  government  according  to  the  law  of  England, 
if  no  immunities  by  our  own  laws  must  in  these  cases  be  allowed, 
that  cannot  well  be  executed  by  men  of  our  profession. 

VVe  doubt  not  but,  according  to  the  customs  of  these  men, 
they  have  been  exhibiting  complaints  against  us,  occasions  for 
them  being  what  they  daily  court,  and  when  by  their  endeavors 
by  any  means  brought  to  bear,  they  greedily  lay  hold  of  them. 

Governor  Hamilton,  last  winter,  issued  a  commission  of  oyer 
and  terminer  for  the  county  of  Philadelphia,  to  Judge  Guest, 
Captain  Finney,  and  Edward  Farmer.  The  trials  were,  by  com- 
mission, required  to  be  wholly  by  oaths,  because  some  of  the 
provincial  judges  had  been  tender  of  trying  them  otherwise, 
some  of  the  prisoners  being  upon  their  lives  ;  but  the  attorney- 
general  (J.  Moore)  then  left  us,  instead  of  discharging  his  duty 
in  prosecuting  for  the  Queen  ;  rode  out  of  town ;  and  such  effect- 
ual endeavors  have  been  used  with  the  persons  impanelled 
for  the  juries  —  being  chiefly  those  called  churchmen,  and  such 


2l8  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

as  would  take  oaths  —  that  not  one  of  them  would  serve,  but 
positively  refused.  The  same  methods  have  also  been  used  in 
Philadelphia  to  prevent  all  persons  from  enlisting  themselves  in 
the  militia  under  the  said  governor's  commission  last  year;  yet 
we  arc  credibly  informed  that  they  have  complained  as  well  of 
the  small  appearance  of  men  in  the  militia  as  of  the  people 
being  tried  only  by  affirmation,  though  those  complainants  them- 
selves were  the  causes  of  both. 

Their  plot  is  to  have  the  whole  ministry  to  be  in  confusion, 
and  that  thereupon  it  will  be  absolutely  necessary  to  be  taken 
into  the  Queen's  more  immediate  care:  to  this  end  they  magnify 
every  small  occurrence  when  they  can  have  the  least  ground, 
and  scruple  not  to  make,  where  they  find  none,  as  Col.  Quary 
has  lately  done  to  the  Lord  Cornbury  in  a  letter,  as  that  noble- 
man himself  declared,  affirming  that  we  were  reduced  to  such 
confusion  that  we  had  no  government  at  all,  or  to  that  effect ; 
with  a  design  to  induce  that  lord,  who  we  presume  has  more 
honor,  to  represent  it  home  upon  Ouary's  information,  that  it 
may  there  gain  the  greater  credit;  but  should  it  be  so  represented, 
we  affirm  'tis  positively  false,  and  shall  take  occasion  to  acquaint 
the  Lord  Cornbury  accordingly. 

It  is  also  intended,  we  are  informed,  to  be  made  the  subject 
of  a  complaint,  that  one  Burges,  lieutenant  to  Captain  Pulleyn, 

commander  of  the ,^  Captain  Dampiers's  companion  in  his 

intended  expedition  to  the  South  Seas,  lately  brought  in  a  prize 
that  the  said  ship  had  taken  in  the  Canaries,  laden  with  wheat, 
into  our  capes,  and  that  the  said  Burges  going  on  shore  at  Lewes 
was  not  seized  with  his  ship  ;  she  had  twelve  guns  and  fifteen 
men,  mostly  English,  and  though  there  was  no  reason  to  dis- 
credit the  master  and  men's  reports,  yet  it  was  believed  they 
had  left  Captain  Pulleyn  upon  some  unfair  design,  an  account 
of  this  being  brought  to  Philadelphia,  in  the  worst  dress,  whilst 
the  Lord  Cornbury  was  here  on  his  visit  to  us  from  Burlington, 
on  his  accession  to  his  government :  there,  upon  a  consultation 
with  the  said  Lord  Cornbury,  it  was  thought  fit  that  he,  as  vice- 
admiral  of  Jersey,  should  issue  his  commission  for  seizing  and 
bringing  her  up,  and  that  a  vessel  and  men  for  that  end  be  fur- 

^  [Blank  in  Mrs.  Logan's  copy. — Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  219 

nished  from  this  place,  in  order  to  which  preparations  were 
forthwith  made,  but  another  vessel  cruising  up  the  river  brought 
advice  that  the  prize  had  sailed  ;  and  we  since  hear  by  the 
post  from  New  York  that  the  said  Capt.  Burges  had  carried  her 
in  thither,  and  is  to  have  her  legally  condemned  as  his  prize. 

One  would  admire  what  consequences  could  be  drawn  from 
hence,  but  we  understand  the  complaint  is,  that  she  might  as 
well  have  proved  a  rogue  as  honest,  and  therefore  the  county 
should  have  seized  her,  according  to  the  advice  of  the  collector 
there,  who  being  youthful  and  active  was  very  brisk  in  endeav- 
oring it,  though  not  with  so  ready  a  concurrence  as  desired 
from  the  inhabitants,  who,  perceiving  her  to  be  no  enemy  and 
of  some  force,  were  unwilling,  as  we  are  informed,  to  expose 
themselves  in  a  hazardous  undertaking  without  seeing  any  rea- 
sonable cause  for  it,  or  any  probability  of  advantage  or  safety  from 
it.  We,  indeed,  of  Philadelphia,  upon  the  first  information  feared 
that  it  might  prove  worse,  for  it  was  represented  to  us  under 
some  surprise,  which  caused  these  preparations :  our  readiness 
towards  which  the  said  Lord  Cornbury  promised  he  would  say 
to  the  Queen,  or  ministry;  but  the  whole  proving  better  than 
expected,  and  the  vessel  being  gone,  it  dropped :  only  we  have 
thought  fit  to  turn  out  the  sheriff  of  that  place,  upon  complaint 
of  his  refractory  behavior  to  the  collector,  in  this  and  some 
other  cases;  but  if  he  or  any  other  there  be  found  deficient  in 
their  duty,  we  hope  these  are  some  of  the  men  who  employed 
Col.  Quary  in  their  behalf  to  complain  against  thee  and  this 
government,  and  therefore  will  not  be  imputed  to  the  Quakers 
here,  there  not  being  at  that  time  above  one  in  the  place,  for 
Wm.  Clark  was  then,  as  now,  at  Philadelphia. 

However,  because  occasions  are  continually  taken  from  our 
circumstances,  chiefly  upon  our  late  governor's  decease,  all 
which  might  have  been  we  hope  effectually  stopped  upon  the 
arrival  of  his  approbation  by  the  Queen,  had  he  lived,  we  must 
earnestly  request  thee  that  thou  wouldst  procure  some  fit  per- 
son, of  moderation  and  temper,  who  can  fully  comply  in  all 
points  of  government  with  the  law  of  England,  to  be  approved 
by  the  Queen,  and  take  the  government  wholly  upon  him  ;  that 
such  men  as  those  —  Col.  Quary  and  John  Moore  especially  we 
mean  —  who  have  no  interest,  not  one  foot  of  real   estate   that 


220  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

we  know  of  in  the  place,  but  seek  the  overthrow  of  the  first 
adventurers  here  for  their  own  sinister  ends,  may  not  lonj^cr 
insult  over  us,  nor  be  suffered  to  make  continual  war  upon  the 
just  rights  and  privileges  of  both  thyself  and  the  people.  And 
we  beseech  thee  more  effectually  to  represent  our  case,  with  thy 
own,  to  our  sovereign,  the  Queen,  whose  justice  and  tenderness 
to  all  her  loving  subjects  we  are  well  assured  would  lead  her, 
if  acquainted  with  our  circumstances,  to  protect  us  from  the 
designs  of  those  men,  who  for  the  sake  of  aggrandizing  them- 
selves by  places,  without  any  regard  for  the  true  interest  of  her 
colonies,  endeavor  to  deprive  us  of  our  just  rights,  and  injuri- 
ously become,  in  a  great  measure,  the  masters  of  the  toil  and 
labors  of  an  industrious  people,  who  first  embarked  in  a  design 
of  settling  this  colony,  in  a  full  expectation  of  enjoying  the  priv- 
ileges first  proposed  to  them,  without  infraction.  None  are 
more  willing  to  pay  obedience  to  the  crown,  in  all  things 
in  our  power,  none  can  acquit  themselves  with  more  fidelity ; 
and  thefore  we  would  in  all  humility  hope  we  shall  not  be  ex- 
cluded from  any  share  of  our  royal  mistress's  benign  influence 
that  others  of  her  subjects  happily  enjoy,  and  that  thou  also 
would  be  favorably  pleased  to  use  thy  endeavors  for  obtaining 
it,  not  only  for  thy  own  just  interest,  but  for  those  also  of  the 
people  that  have  embarked  with  thee,  and,  among  the  rest,  of  thy 
most  faithful  friends, 

Edward  Shippen,  William  Clark, 

Griffith  Owen,  Caleb  Pusey, 

Samuel  Carpenter,      Thomas  Story. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  2d  Septejnber,  1703. 
Honored  Governor:  —  By  Edward  Shippen  and  Capt.  Puckle, 
who  sailed  hence  about  the  beginning  of  the  5th-mo.,  and  from 
Virginia  about  the  end  of  it,  besides  my  larger  packets,  I  had 
just  time  from  New  Castle  to  inform  of  Judge  Mompesson's 
arrival  in  the  Messenger,  and  Randal  Janney  in  the  Jolly  Galley, 
since  which  are  also  arrived  young  Lock  and  Millar,  all  our 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  221 

own  vessels  from  London  ;  the  last  not  till  six  weeks  after  the 
first:  Wm.  Burge  also,  in  J.  Guy,  a  vessel  of  our  own  from 
Milford ;  so  that  we  have  six  safely  arrived,  a  happiness  that 
neither  New  En^rland  nor  York  can  boast. 


Affairs  of  government  I  shall  not  now  so  closely  meddle 
with,  leaving  it  to  the  large  letter  signed  by  the  council,  only 
must  still  press  thee  to  furnish  us  with  a  lieutenant  governor 
with  all  possible  expedition,  otherwise  thy  interests  will  suffer; 
for  through  Gov.  Hamilton's  decease,  and  the  Queen's  late  order, 
we  are  exceedingly  perplexed,  and  much  admire  at  thy  entire 
silence  of  the  latter  :  if  thou  hast  never  seen  it,  a  copy  comes 
inclosed :  it  has,  through  the  restless  endeavors  of  our  adversa- 
ries, who  take  all  opportunities  to  work  on  the  weak  side  of 
such  in  the  magistracy  as  they  can  prevail  on,  given  us  great 
trouble,  and  occasions  adjournments  of  our  courts  most  unac- 
countably in  the  province  ;  but  in  the  territories,  where  they  are 
mostly  jurors,  there  is  no  obstruction,  but  all  things  regular. 

I  mentioned  in  my  last  by  way  of  Boston,  9th  5th-mo.,  the 
necessity  I  thought  there  would  be  for  a  new  commission  to 
the  council,  but  now  fear  the  adverse  party  have  received  so 
much  encouragement  and  hopes  from  the  Lord  Cornbury's  late 
visit  to  this  place,  that  it  will  be  difficult  to  engage  any  of  the 
churchmen  to  serve ;  and  the  impossibility  of  giving  Judge  Mom- 
pesson  sufficient  encouragement  to  settle  among  us,  till  an 
assembly  can  be  held,  will,  I  doubt,  with  the  endeavors  used  for 
that  purpose  at  York,  keep  that  gentleman  too  much  from 
among  us  to  be  sufficient  to  our  advantage,  or  to  answer  the 
designs  of  making  him  our  president.^ 

He  is  now  returning  from  Boston,  but  will  stay  at  York  till 
their  supreme  court  is  over,  which  will  be  in  8br.  If  any  en- 
couragement offer,  however,  he  will,  I  suppose,  winter  with  us, 
being  well  satisfied  Vith  the  place;  he  is  ingenious,  able,  honest, 
and  might  be  a  great  blessing  to  us  could  we  enjoy  it. 

The  Lord  Cornbury  on  the  lOth  or  iith  ult.  published  his 
commission  for  the  Jerseys  at  Amboy,  and  on  the  13th  at  Bur- 

^  [That  is,  of  the  council.  —  Editor.] 


222  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l703- 

lington.  E.  Shippen,  with  \V.  Clark  and  most  of  the  council, 
and  a  number  of  Friends  —  about  twenty  —  went  to  wait  on  him 
at  Burlington,  on  the  13th,  but  not  being  arrived  so  soon  as  we, 
we  met  him  three  miles  beyond  the  town.  Col.  Quary  with  a 
party  of  his  gang  went  out  the  day  before,  and  met  him  at 
Page's.    He  lodged  at  Tatham's^  House,  and  was  entertained  by 

'  Lord  Cornbury,  in  his  progress  from  Amboy,  must  have  passed  Bur- 
lington and  have  crossed  the  river  into  Pennsylvania,  to  have  lodged 
at  Tatham's  house,  which  was  in  Bucks  County  on  the  Neshaminy. 
The  estate  was  afterwards  called  Trevor,  the  seat  of  Joseph  Gal- 
loway, Esq.,  in  right  of  his  wife,  the  daughter  of  Lawrence  Grow- 
don,  Esq.  —  L. 

[Mrs.  Logan  appears  to  have  inferred  that  Lord  Cornbury  crossed 
the  Delaware  into  Bucks  County,  Pennsylvania,  because  a  house 
belonging  to  Mr.  Tatham  was  situated  in  that  county.  We  are 
of  opinion  that  the  property  referred  to  by  her  was  that  which 
was  the  subject  of  the  legal  proceedings  of  which  we  shall  presently 
speak.  The  house  in  which  Cornbury  lodged  was  probably  that 
belonging  to  the  heirs  of  John  Tatham,  and  which,  in  171 1,  was  pur- 
chased of  one  of  them  by  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gos- 
pel. It  stood  in  Burlington,  and  at  the  time  of  Cornbury's  visit  was 
in  the  occupation  of  Thomas  Revel,  who  never  was  a  resident  of  Bucks 
County.  John  Tatham  was  appointed  in  1690,  by  the  proprietaries, 
governor  of  the  Jerseys.  Smith  says  he  was  a  "Jacobite,  '  but  did 
not  know  whether  he  resided  in  East  or  West  Jersey. 

The  proceedings  of  which  we  have  spoken  are'those  mentioned  in  the 
minutes  of  the  Provincial  Council  of  December  11,  1704.  "A  petition 
from  Thomas  Revel,  at  Burlington,  in  the  province  New  Jersey,  executor 
in  trust  and  guardian  for  the  children  of  John  Tatham,  late  of  Burlington 
aforesaid,  esqr.,  and  of  Elizab.,  his  wife,  deceased,  was  read,  showing 
that  the  petit,  in  behalf  of  the  aforesaid  children,  having  commenced 
an  action  against  Jos.  Growdon,  of  this  province,  about  the  title  of  a 
certain  tract  of  land  in  Bucks,  possessed  by  the  said  Joseph,  and  had 
served  him  with  a  declaration  in  ejectment,  at  y«  court  of  the  said 
county,  and  waited  for  a  tryal  for  near  3  years,  yet  was  put  off  from  court 
to  court,  and  at  length  positively  denyed  ;  whereupon,  he  prays  that 
some  effectual  means  may  be  ordered  to  bring  the  matter  to  a  fair 
hearing  and  tryal. 

"Ordered,  that  John  Moore,  attorney  for  the  said  Revel,  and  David 
Lloyd,  attorney  for  the  said  Growdon,  be  ordered  to  attend  3d-day 
next  week,  that  the  matter  of  the  said  petition  may  be  further  inquired 
into." 

The  final  action  of  the  council  does  not  appear,  but  the  reason  given 
for  hitherto  resisting  a  trial  is  curious,  and  more  particularly  so  consider- 
ing the  source  from  which  it  came.  "John  Moore,  in  behalf  of  the 
vetitioner,  informed  the  board  what  endeavors  has  been  used  to  bring  the 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  223 

T.  Revel  there.  Next  morning,  Col.  Quary,  with  the  rest  of  the 
churchmen,  congratulated  him,  having  the  easiest  access,  and 
afterwards  presented  an  address  from  the  vestry  of  Philadelphia, 
who  now  consist,  I  think,  of  twenty-four,  requesting  his  patron- 
age to  the  church,  and  closing  with  a  prayer  that  he  would  be- 
seech the  Queen,  as  I  was  credibly  informed,  to  extend  his  gov- 
ernment over  this  province  ;  and  Col.  Quary  also,  in  his  first 
congratulatory  address,  said  they  hoped  they  also  should  be 
partakers  of  the  happiness  Jersey  enjoyed  in  his  government 

In  answer  to  the  vestry's  address,  he  spoke  what  was  proper 
from  a  churchman,  to  the  main  design  of  it,  for  he  is  very  good 
at  extemporary  speeches ;  and  to  their  last  request,  that  it  was 
their  business  —  meaning  to  address  the  Queen,  I  suppose  —  but 
that  when  his  mistress  would  be  pleased  to  lay  her  commands 
on  him,  he  would  obey  them  with  alacrity.  Edward  Shippen, 
with  the  council  and  other  friends  present,  also  addressed  him, 
inviting  him  civilly  to  Philadelphia,  and  to  take  up  at  his  old 
lodging  there,  viz.,  his  house ;  but  he  replied  that  Col.  Quary 
had  engaged  him  long  before  at  New  York,  to  be  his  guest 
when  he  came  this  way,  otherwise  he  should  willingly  accept 
of  it;  but  he  had  last  year  given  him  and  me  but  too  much 
trouble,  for  which  he  heartily  thanked  us.  I  invited  him  also 
to  make  use  of  thy  barge,  which,  upon  that  occasion,  believing 
it  must  soon  after,  if  not  then,  be  done  for  Mr.  Wm.,  I  had 
caused  to  be  launched,  new  caulked,  and  painted,  a  repair  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  her,  for  she  was  hurt  with  lying  dry ;  and  I 
now  design  to  keep  her  floating  in  a  dock  or  gut,  and  build  a 
shed  over  her;  but  being  Col.  Quary's  guest,  he  did  not  accept 
of  her,  upon  which  I  sent  her  directly  to  Penn.sbury. 

Perceiving  this,  I  could  not  but  be  moved  at  it ;  and  going  to 
S.  Jennings,  with  some  warmth,  I  wrote  him  a  letter,  of  which 
a  copy  is  inclosed,  and  very  soon  after  had  it  presented.  I  know 
not  whethei  it  may  please  thee,  but  showing  it  to  such  members 


matter  in  difference  to  a  tryal,  by  a  declaration  in  ejectment ;  and  David 
Lloyd,  in  behalf  of  the  defendant,  argued  that  that  method  of  trial 
being  fictitious  was  inconsistent  with  our  laws,  and  offered  other 
methods,"  &c.,  &c.  —  2  Col.  Records,  179,  180;  5  Doc.  relating  to 
Colonial  Hist,  of  New  York,  316;  Smith's  Hist.  New  Jersey,  191. — 
Editor.] 


224  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

of  the  council  as  wore  at  hand,  and  others  of  the  best  judgment, 
whom  I  could  confide  in,  it  met  with  an  entire  approbation, 
though  done  in  more  haste  than  was  suitable  for  such  an  attempt. 
That  night  he  came  to  Philadelphia.  The  next  day,  being  the 
first  of  the  week,  he  went  to  their  worship.  The  same  day 
came  an  account  of  a  ship  below,^  mentioned  in  the  council's 
letter,  favorably  represented  at  first,  but  worse  after;  upon  which, 
early  next  morning,  a  council  met,  and  came  to  the  conclusion 
there  mentioned,  but  first  resolved,  as  a  council,  to  wait  on  and 
consult  with  the  Lord  Cornbury,  who  had  taken  great  notice  of 
the  report,  and  sent  for  S.  Rowland,  who  brought  the  infornTa- 
tion ;  which  report,  and  our  inability  to  take  effectual  measures 
upon  it,  failed  not  of  being  highly  aggravated  by  Col.  Quary 
and  those  about  him  ;  but  after  the  resolution  taken,  and  en- 
couragement given,  as  desired,  for  getting  a  sufficient  number 
of  hands,  a  vessel  very  happily  came  up  the  river,  and  in- 
formed that  the  ship  had  sailed  five  days  before.  That  day  he 
dined  at  J.  Moore's,  who  had  prevented  Edward  Shippen's  sec- 
ond invitation,  by  being  too  early  for  him  ;  and  I  waited  on 
him,  after  dinner,  to  learn  his  sentiments  about  the  ship  ;  sat 
down  in  the  company,  where  a  discourse  arose  of  the  Indians, 
and  a  complaint  was  made  of  J.  Le  Tort  returning  from  Canada, 
as  I  mentioned  in  that  per  E.  Shippen,  jr.,  and  being  suffered  to 
live  at  large;  as  also  of  P.  Barzalion,  who  by  chance  was  then 
in  town.  Going  out,  I  unexpectedly  met  J.  Le  Tort  about  the 
door,  passing  by,  whom  I  therefore  brought  in,  requesting  the 
Lord  Cornbury  himself  to  examine  him,  as  we,  I  told  him,  had 
effectually  done  before.  I  told  him  also  that  all  the  French 
traders  in  the  country  were  then  in  town;  and  seeing  those 
gentlemen  had  been  so  ready  to  complain,  I  put  it  to  them  to 
say  what  they  could  advise  to  be  done  with  them  ;  but  till  much 
urged  to  it,  they  were  very  silent.  Upon  the  whole,  the  Lord 
Cornbury,  thinking  it  too  hard  to  confine  them  in  close  durance, 
advised  us  to  take  security  of  them  for  their  good  behavior 
toward  the  government,  and  forthcoming  when  called  for,  which 
I  promised,   or   that,  upon    refusal,  they  should  be    confined. 

'  [See  2  Col.  Rec,  p.  98.  — Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  22$ 

Next  morning  the  council  sitting,  they  gave  security,  in  ^^500 
each.  E.  Farmer  stood  for  J.  Le  Tort,  and  T.  Murray  for  P. 
Bazalion.  That  morning  Lord  Cornbury  breakfasted  with 
Edward  Shippen,  and  was  handsomely  entertained,  after  which 
he  returned  to  Burlington,  accompanied  with  Col.  Quary  and 
others,  in  a  boat,  and  Edward  Shippen,  W.  Clark,  Judge  Guest, 
and  myself  in  another,  with  several  other  boats.  There  we  left 
him.  As  to  my  using  the  style  of  my  lord  in  the  letter,  't  is 
no  more  than  what  S.  Jennings  and  other  Friends  here  frequently 
do. 

'Tis  now  but  manifest,  I  think,  that  he  designs  to  have  this 
government,  if  to  be  effected,  annexed  to  his;  and  no  doubt  his 
backing  Quary's  representations  will  be  a  great  strength  to  the 
design.  This  appears  by  his  ordering  the  collector  of  Lewes, 
who,  intending  hither  from  thence  the  next  day  after  the  said  ship 
came  in  there,  but  upon  her  account  staid  somewhat  longer, 
came  up  very  soon  after,  to  draw  up  a  narrative  of  the  whole 
matter,  and  deliver  it  to  Col.  Quary,  which  he  did,  not  ver}'' 
partially  I  believe.  Copies  of  this  narrative  the  said  Quary  has 
taken  with  him  to  Virginia,  for  which  place  he  set  out  from 
hence  yesterday.  He  is  of  the  council  for  Jersey,  opposed 
Friends  there  much,  and  endeavored  to  obstruct  S.  Jennings, 
Francis  Davenport,  and  George  Deacon,  nominated  for  the  coun- 
cil by  the  Queen,  to  be  admitted,  unless  they  would  swallow 
the  abjuration  oath,  totideni  verbis,  but  was  opposed  by  Lewis 
Morris,  first  of  the  council,  who  hates  him  and  all  his  party;  all 
of  note  in  East  Jersey  also  are  of  the  same  mind,  and  repine 
at  the  yoke  they  have  brought  upon  themselves  in  joining  with 
those  of  York  in  their  prayers,  who  groan  to  find  their  deliverer 
prove  so  heavy.  Many  would  be  glad  the  Queen,  his  cousin, 
would  be  graciously  pleased  to  give  him  a  better  post,  nearer 
home,  being  touched  that  no  man  of  sense  can  be  admitted  near 
him ;  for  though  really  a  man  of  good  parts  himself,  he  has  not 
one  such  about  him.  Besides  that,  a  great  man  has  great  neces- 
sities. The  commission  for  the  Jerseys  startled  all  that  heard 
it  published,  who  can  entertain  a  thought  above  either  being 
slaves  themselves,  or  making  others  so,  for  their  own  sacri- 
legious lucre. 

VOL.  I. — 16 


226  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

Bass^  acts  in  quality  of  a  secretary,  much  against  the  good 
liking  of  most  of  note  in  that  government.  Those  of  Jersey 
resolved  to  oppose  the  records  being  put  in  his  hands  to  their 
utmost.  Lewis  Morris  broke  his  head  the  first  day  they  met, 
which  they  say  gave  offence,  being  then  both  of  the  company 
that  waited  on  their  governor.  He  is  come  over  without  his 
commission,  which  exposes  him  to  the  ridicule  of  his  enemies. 

He  reports  here  that  thou  art  making  terms  for  thy  govern- 
ment, and  demands  of  the  Queen  ^10,000  to  surrender.  The 
thought  of  having  rascals  and  such  birds  of  prey  set  over  us 
would  congeal  any  honest  man's  blood  ;  but  were  it  possible 
for  a  man  of  honor  to  be  advanced  at  court,  or  any  but  hungry 
starvelings  to  be  sent  hither,  thou  would  not  lose  by  a  good 
composition.  But  then  care  should  be  taken,  I  hope,  of  the  im- 
munities of  the  people,  and  thy  own  interest,  otherwise  we  are 
unhappy. 

In  this  state  of  war.  Friends  cannot  possibly  hold  it :  the 
enemy  round  us  is  very  vigilant  and  industrious  in  debauching 

^[Col.  Jeremiah  Basse  in  1698  succeeded  Hamilton  as  governor  of 
the  Jerseys,  the  government  having  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  crown. 
His  authority  to  act  was,  however,  questioned,  because  his  appoint- 
ment had  not  received  his  Majesty's  approval,  although  it  appears  he 
had  been  tacitly  recognized  by  the  Lords  of  Trade.  His  career  was 
far  from  being  peaceful,  although  probably  the  conduct  of  others  may 
have  as  much  contributed  to  this  result  as  his  own.  He  appears  to 
have  enjoyed  varying  degrees  of  popularity ;  he  was  at  one  time  sec- 
retary of  the  province,  and  at  another  surveyor  of  the  customs  at  Bur- 
lington. After  his  removal  to  the  county  of  Cape  May,  he  became  a 
member  of  the  Assembly  of  17 16,  and  in  17 19  the  attorney-general 
of  the  province.  He  was  a  strenuous  supporter  of  the  commercial 
privileges  of  Perth  Amboy  as  a  port  of  entry  over  those  of  New  York, 
having  issued  a  proclamation  in  support  of  them  in  defiance  of  the  pro- 
clamation of  the  Earl  of  Bellomont ;  from  this  circumstance  several 
merchants,  about  1698,  left  the  former  place  and  removed  to  Perth 
Amboy,  with  the  "object  of  importing  all  sorts  of  merchandise  free  from 
duty."  He  died  in  1725,  and  bequeathed  to  the  church  of  St.  Mary, 
at  Burlington,  and  to  Christ  Church,  at  Philadelphia,  should  the  former 
be  without  a  rector,  a  legacy  to  secure  the  preaching  of  two  sermons 
yearly,  that  is,  upon  Easter  Sunday  and  Whitsunday,  the  subject  to  be 
a  topic  mentioned  in  his  will.  The  reader  will  find  some  additional 
information  concerning  this  person  in  Whitehead's  "  East  Jersey  under 
the  Proprietors,"  and  in  "Documents  Relating  to  the  Colonial  History 
of  New  York. — Prov.  Courts  of  N.  J.,  by  Hon.  R.  S.  Field."— 
Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  227 

the  Indians.  By  last  post  we  liave  accounts  from  New  England 
that  the  French  and  Indians,  joining  to  the  eastward,  have  cut  off 
several  settlements,  and  killed  and  carried  away  150  souls,  a 
sore,  unexpected  blow.'  The  governor  having,  even  this  sum- 
mer, made  peace  by  a  solemn  treaty  with  those  very  savages 
who  have  been  chiefly  concerned  in  the  mischief.  They  are  at 
open  war  with  them  now,  having  proclaimed  it  at  Boston  about 
fifteen  days  ago.  The  French  have  also  settled  among  the  Five 
Nations,  now  at  peace  with  them,  and  have  their  emissaries 
everywhere  round  us  ;  those  of  Connecticut  also  are  like  to 
break  with  the  English  there,  as  letters  by  the  same  post  inform 
us.  Indian  Harry,  of  Conostogoe,  is  now  here,  and  acquaints 
us  with  the  great  endeavors  of  the  French,  but  I  have  not  fully 
discoursed  with  him.  Lord  Cornbury  is  now  going  to  Albany 
to  meet  the  Five  Nations,  the  middle  of  this  month,  by  appoint- 
ment ;  but  at  the  same  some  of  their  chiefs,  we  are  told,  are  coming 
hither  to  treat  about  the  death  of  the  king,  that  died  at  Lechay 
(Lehigh)  about  three  years  ago.  I  cannot  guess  the  meaning 
of  it  as  yet,  nor  like  their  absence  from  Albany,  by  design,  at 
this  juncture.  There  have  certainly  been  spies  among  us  lately, 
and  Canada,  unless  effectually  prevented  by  an  attack  up^n 
themselves,  are  likely  to  make  all  these  colonies  in  a  little  time 
very  uneasy.  I  speak  not  this  through  any  cowardly  apprehen- 
sions :  I  set  a  distance  on  it  to  others,  for,  seeing  we  are  no 
ways  able  to  take  any  measures  to  secure  ourselves,  to  own  the 
danger  is  but  to  expose  us  ;  but  men  of  sense  see  it  too  well, 
and  when  we  are  so  highly  charged,  as  we  are  lately,  especially 

'  [While  other  colonies  and  provinces  were  ravaged,  ours  always 
escaped  any  general  slaughter  and  devastation  :  an  exemption  due  to 
the  policy  of  peace  inaugurated  by  the  proprietary  and  continued  bv 
his  successors.  Repeated  acts  of  hospitality,  the  frequent  renewals  of 
treaties  of  friendship,  and  the  persistent  good  offices  of  the  "  Friendly 
Association,"  kept  alive  the  remembrance  of  this  policy  of  peace,  and 
though  its  permanency  was  at  one  time  threatened  by  a  breach  of  faith 
and  an  act  of  overreaching  ever  to  be  deplored,  bloodshed  fortunately 
did  not  follow.  The  Indian  of  that  day,  always  sagacious,  observant, 
and  reflective,  knew  whom  to  censure,  and  never  forgot  the  kindness 
of  those  who,  with  some  sacrifice,  and  much  odium,  misconception, 
and  misrepresentation,  steadfastly  and  consistently,  for  conscience' 
sake,  adhered  to  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  founder. — Editor.] 


228  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

by  Sir  Thomas  Lawrence,  Doctor  Brid<^es.  of  York,  and  some 
others  at  J.  M.'s  table,  while  I  was  there,  before  Lord  Cornbury. 
I  wish  thee  could  find  more  to  say  for  our  lying  so  naked  and 
defenceless.  I  always  used  the  best  argument  I  could,  and  when 
I  pleaded  that  we  were  a  peaceable  people,  had  wholly  renounced 
war,  and  the  spirit  of  it;  that  we  were  willing  to  commit  our- 
selves to  the  protection  of  God  alone,  in  an  assurance  that  the 
sword  can  neither  be  drawn,  nor  sheathed  but  by  his  direction; 
that  the  desolations  made  by  it  are  the  declaration  of  his  wrath 
alone,  and  that  those  who  will  not  [use]  the  sword,  but,  by  an 
entire  resignation  commit  themselves  to  his  all-powerful  provi- 
dence, shall  never  need  it,  but  be  safe  under  a  more  sure  defence 
than  any  worldly  arm — when  I  pleaded  this,  I  really  spoke  my 
sentiments  ;  but  this  will  not  answer  in  English  government,  nor 
the  methods  of  this  reign.  Their  answer  is,  that  should  we  lose 
our  lives  only,  it  would  be  little  to  the  crown,  seeing  't  is  our 
doing,  but  others  are  involved  with  us,  and  should  the  enemy 
make  themselves  master  of  the  country  it  would  too  sensibly 
touch  England  in  the  rest  of  her  colonies.  This  must  be 
weighed,  but  still  I  hope  some  measures  may  be  taken  as  will 
prevent  these  base  men  from  becoming  our  masters. 

But  what  shall  we  say  ?  Almighty  Providence  seems  to  be. 
preparing  the  most  dreadful  scenes  throughout  the  universe. 
Rage  and  fury  are  commissioned  to  carry  desolation  through 
the  earth,  and  few  will  be  the  doors,  I  doubt,  it  will  not  visit. 
The  most  secure  may  find  their  enemies,  and  the  most  naked  be 
protected.  Austria,  one  would  have  thought,  lay  safely  to  the 
westward,  and  that  as  well  as  France,  waging  a  distant  war,  no 
only  theirconfines  need  to  fear  a  disturbance  near  them,  yet  both 
we  see,  have  got  an  enemy,  one  within  their  bowels,  and  the 
other  close  adjoining.  The  whole  earth,  I  believe,  at  least  what 
is  miscalled  the  Christian  world,  must  undergo  a  universal  visita- 
tion and  be  shaken  together  like  brittle  potsherds  :  happy  are 
they  who  can  look  up  to  and  behold  the  hand  of  the  Lord  in  it, 
and,  throwing  their  whole  confidence  on  him  alone,  pray  that 
his  will  be  done  whatever  becomes  of  us,  and  his  great  work  be 
effected.  'Tis  He  that  has  lighted  a  fire  in  the  nations,  and  will 
purge  the  lands  ;  but  whether  'tis  those  of  the  inner  court  that 


1703]  CORRESPONDENCE.  229 

are  to  be  gathered,  or  those  of  the  outer  to  be  scattered, 
He  only  knows ;  but  I  believe  the  latter,  that  the  other  may 
stand  to  be  a  witness  for  his  name  that  righteousness  may  not 
be  entirely  swept  from  the  earth,  or  the  knowledge  of  him  from 
among  the  people. 

The  Lord  make  those  in  this  province  truly  his  own,  and  such 
as  are  called  by  his  name  to  be  truly  his.  I  believe  we  shall 
be  secure  in  a  true  dependence  upon  him,  and  take  not  up  the 
sword.  But  those  men  of  arms  will  be  amongst  us,  and  then 
will  be  the  trial  from  them  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  enemy,  I 
doubt  not,  on  the  other ;  and  this  must  be,  that  those  who  bear 
his  name  may  be  proved.  But  this  discourse  will  come  very 
unexpectedly  from  me,  and  I  suppose,  and  is,  beside  my  busi- 
ness ;  yet  I  can  truly  say  't  is  what  has  often  filled  my  heart ; 
and  I  have  been  made  a  witness  of  the  necessity  of  retiring 
from  the  world  and  withdrawing  our  hearts  from  all  human 
dependencies,  and  hope  it  will  please  God  to  extend  his  good- 
ness towards  me  to  a  consummation  of  grace. 

Having  spent  so  much  on  the  preceding,  I  shall  now  be  briefer ; 
only  must  add  on  the  subject  of  government,  that  last  third- 
day,  the  31st  ult.,  being  court  day  at  Chester,  a  dcdivius  was  sent 
from  the  council,  directed  to  one  Walter  Martin,  a  sober,  good 
man,  to  administer  the  affirmations,  &c.,  required  by  the  Queen's 
order,  copies  of  all  which,  being  that  of  fidelity,  that  of  abjur- 
ing the  Pope's  supremacy,  and  the  test,  were  sent  down  to  him 
before,  with  another  dcdiimts  to  qualify  the  magistrates  of  the 
corporation.  The  judges  presenting  the  dcdinms  to  him,  he 
readily  agreed  to  discharge  what  was  enjoined,  and  went  to 
Jasper  Yeates  for  those  copies  which  he  had  left  there,  but  there 
met  with  arguments  and  persuasions  which  prevailed  on  him  to 
the  contrary  :  the  chief  was,  that  there  was  another  oath  besides 
those  now  sent,  viz.,  that  of  the  abjuration  of  the  Prince  of 
Wales,  son  of  James  H.,  which  he  must  administer  also  ;  and  be- 
cause this  was  not  sent  with  the  rest,  he  could  administer  none  ; 
but  that  oath,  or  the  act  that  enjoined  it,  not  extending  to  us, 
unless  she  should  positively  order  it,  as  she  has  done  in  the 
commission  to  Lord  Cornbury,  none  here  are  under  an  obli- 
gation  to   take   it.     'Tis   true,  in  Jersey  they  take  it,  because 


230  PENX   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

required  in  the  commission.  This  was  a  strenuous  endeavor  to 
prevent  the  court  sitting,  that  so  they  may  be  strengthened  in 
their  complaint,  and  represent  us  as  in  confusion. 

That  is  their  whole  plot.  Some  of  them  pretend  authority 
from  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  inspect  our  actions,  and  use  this 
authority  to  no  other  end  than  to  perplex  and  disturb  our 
government;  and  sure  we  are  in  a  miserable  case  if  no  care  be 
taken  of  us  from  home  but  for  our  destruction,  and  none  be 
employed  among  us  but  our  professed  adversaries.  Sure  our 
superiors  cannot  intentionally  be  such  hard  masters.  We  hold 
our  courts  notwithstanding,  I  hope  in  spite  of  all  their  endea- 
vors, though  their  whole  study  be  our  ruin 

[The  writer,  in  reference  to  the  seizure  of  Butterworth's  vessel 
and  of  some  contraband  goods  put  on  board,  observes :] 

If  they  complain  of  any  in  the  government  here,  in  this  affair, 
I  will  prove  them  to  be  in  this,  as  in  the  rest,  unworthy,  base 
men.  We  take  all  possible  care  to  avoid  giving  occasions  ;  but 
men  study  to  find  them,  and,  if  they  cannot,  make  them  of 
nothing,  whatever  be  the  consequence.  I  wrote,  in  my  first  per 
the  Messenger,  I  can  do  nothing  in  the  old  Spaniard's  business,' 
for  those  it  was  left  with  never  did  anything  after  thou  wast 
gone ;  and  Governor  Hamilton,  though  I  never  pressed  any- 
thing more  in  my  life  in  this  government,  still  neglected  it,  that 
is,  did  not  more  than  thou  hast  already  heard,  viz.,  offered,  before 
S.  Perez,  his  interpreter,  to  assign  him  counsel,  who  should,  gratis, 
prosecute  his  action  ;  but  he  would  not  stay  nor  accept  of  it. 
This  the  governor  thought  fully  acquitted  the  government,  as 
doubtless  it  did,  and  therefore  never  touched  it  further.  Through 
the  hurry  of  business  at  that  time,  I  was  a  stranger  to  the  ex- 
aminations.    I  will  see,  however,  what  Isaac  Norris  can  do. 

I  do  not  know  how  we  can  empower  Wm.  Hall,  of  Salem. 
We  must  first,  I  suppose,  clear  it  of  Dr.  Coxe's  claim,  who  is 
now  big  against  the  Quakers,  and  Lord  Cornbury's  great  friend. 
In  West  Jersey  they  are  making  a  new  purchase  from  the  In- 
dians, in  which  thou  wilt  have  a  considerable  share.     Samuel 

'  This,  and  Lumbey's  case,  so  often  mentioned  in  these  letters,  may 
serve  to  show  the  anxiety  of  William  Penn  that  none  should  suffer 
injustice  under  his  government. — L. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  23I 

Jennings  demands  £y$  of  me  for  thy  proportion,  which,  by 
some  means  or  other.  I  shall  furnish  him  with.  He  will  not,  I 
hope,  neglect  thy  interest. 

When  I  meet  with  anything  fit  for  presents,  1  will  secure  it. 
I  have  now  sent  one  Indian  painted  buckskin,  in  a  present  by 
itself,  directed  to  thee,  and  shall  send  others  as  they  offer. 

There  are  no  cranberries  now.  Melons  would  not  keep  ten 
days ;  and  the  freight  of  apples  would  be  intolerable,  to  pay 

40   shillings   for  a  barrel I   thank  thee  for  thy  tender 

advice,  and  hope  I  shall  observe  it,  and  that  it  will  please 
God  to  raise  and  continue  in  me  a  true  sense  of  the  state  of 
things 

[The  next  paragraph  contains  an  account  of  the  difference 
between  Thomas  Story  and  himself,  in  which  he  thought  him- 
self unworthily  used,  and  adds  :]  There  was  no  help  for  its 
being  made  public,  unless  I  would  submit  to  the  highest  injustice 
against  myself.  I  would  willingly  have  referred  it  to  indiffer- 
ent persons  to  judge  between  us,  but  nothing  but  a  public  meet- 
ing, or  to  answer  his  peremptory  demands  at  once,  would  do.  I 
should  not  mention  this,  were  it  not  already  too  public ;  and 
do  it  to  my  grief,  not  on  my  own  account,  for  I  am  well  satisfied 
that  in  the  close  it  will  do  me  more  good  than  hurt,  but  for  the 

sake  of  public  affairs ;  in  these,  however,  we  never  clash 

It  will  be  all  over,  I  hope,  before  thy  son's  arrival,  who,  I  fear, 
may  be  injured  by  it,  and  therefore  would  rather  have  him  soft- 
ened towards  him,  notwithstanding  T.  S.'s  bitterness  towards 
me.^  .... 

I  hope  thy  son  will  square  to  the  seriousness  of  the  best  peo- 
ple here  ;  if  not,  I  shall  be  exposed  to  great  difBculties.  I  shall 
do  my  utmost  for  his  advantage,  and  would  indeed  be  willing 
to  suffer  in  some  measure  for  him  if  he  were  benefited  by  it. 
....  We  have  observed  orders  about  the  company's  land,  but 
I  would  advise  thee  not  to  expect  or  depend  on  their  releasing 
any  part  of  their  bargain  unless  thou  canst  procure  it  from  under 

^  This  difference  was  afterwards  reconciled,  when  they  corresponded 
on  religious  and  philosophical  subjects.  —  L. 


232  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [I'/OS- 

their  hands  and  seals;  otherwise,  when  thou  art  gone,  thy  deed 
will  absolutely  take  place  against  those  that  succeed  thee, 
and  may  occasion  great  confusion.  T.  F.  has  been  as  favorable 
as  possible  in  laying  it  out,  but  the  manors,  lots,  and  liberty 
land  being  expressly  named  without  scaled  releases,  are  not  to 
be  dispensed  with.  Pray  take  the  opportunity  before  this  pro- 
perty be  changed  by  other  sales. 

Friends  have  again  made  application  for  George  Fox's  gift, 
and  I  have  proposed  their  acceptance  of  a  lot  on  the  front,  and 
another  on  the  High  Street,  with  their  proportion  of  liberty  land 
as  other  purchasers  have,  all  of  which  I  hope  we  shall  find  for 
them,  and  more  than  this  I  hope  they  will  not  crave :  they  now 
seem  inclinable  to  this  (accommodation.)  .... 

I  know  not  whether  Samuel  Carpenter  writes  to  thee  by  this 
opportunity.  He  has  been  much  depressed  of  late  in  his  spirits, 
about  his  incumbrances,  which  are  heavy,  for  he  pays  no  less 
than  ^  per  annum  interest,  as  I  judge  from  his  own  in- 
formation. He  has  been  very  plain  with  me,  though  with  but 
few  others.  He  begs  us,  if  possible,  to  take  some  measures  to 
answer  his  draft  on  Josh.  Grove,  for  he  thinks  he  cannot  him- 
self do  it.  The  great  damp  on  trade,  and  the  sale  of  land  dis- 
courages him  of  the  first.  He  has  had  very  little  this  year. 
His  undertaking  in  Bucks  ^  has  oppressed  him  much.     I   must 

^  [This  is  blank  in  Mrs.  Logan's  copy. — Editor.] 

"^  There  is  a  curious  letter  extant  from  Samuel  Carpenter  to  his  friend 
Jonathan  Dickinson,  giving  a  particular  account  of  this  improvement, 
which,  as  it  tends  to  show  the  state  of  such  things  at  the  time,  I  am 
tempted  to  subjoin.     The  letter  is  dated  1705. — L. 

"  1  understand  by  Isaac  Norris,  that  thou  art  inclined  to  purchase 
something  in  this  province  for  thy  children,  and  it  having  been  my 
lot  to  lay  out  myself  much  in  this  country,  so  that  upon  the  falling  off 
of  trade  and  losses  and  disappointments  many  ways  I  have  of  late,  and 
my  endeavors  to  sell  what  I  can  to  pay  off  debts,  and,  if  it  please  God 
to  spare  my  life,  to  disencumber  myself  before  I  die,  which  is,  and 
hath  been,  very  burdensome  to  me,  so  that,  although  I  am  possessed 
of  a  considerable  estate,  I  am  very  uneasy,  and  look  upon  myself  as 
very  unhappy,  and  worse  than  those  that  are  out  of  debt,  although  but 
mean,  or  have  but  little  of  this  world's  goods.  My  exercise  and 
trouble  is  greater  in  that  I  find  it  a  difficult  matter  to  sell,  though  to 
a  loss,  there  being  but  few  able  to  buy,  whereas,  if  I  had  such  an 
estate  in  other  countries,  I  -might  soon  sell  to  pay  my  debts,  and  have 
enough  to  spare.     The  occasion  of  these  are  to  make  thee  an  offer  of 


1703]  CORRESPONDENCE.  233 

draw  to  a  close,  but  crave  leave  once  more  to  beseech  thee  to 
make  speedy  provision  for  the  government,  and  ease  Friends 

some  things  that  I  have,  viz.,  a  parcel  of  corn-mills  and  saw-mills  at 
Bristol,  over  against  Burlington.  I  think  it  was  called  Buckingham 
when  thou  wast  here,  within  less  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  river 
Delaware,  upon  a  creek  where  a  vessel  of  good  burthen  may  come  to 
the  tail  of  the  mills  to  load  or  unload.  There  are  at  present  two  wheels 
and  four  cutter  stones,  and  I  intend  another  wheel,  and  one  or  two 
pair  more  of  stones.  The  saw-mill  and  the  corn-mill  *  in  the  same  is 
new  built,  and  the  other  corn-mills  newly  repaired,  and  are  good 
The  dimensions  of  the  saw-mill  are  32  feet  broad  and  70  feet  long 
and  stands  on  a  bank  somewhat  like  that  of  Philadelphia,  where  the 
water,  when  at  highest,  has  about  eight  or  nine  feet  head,  and  five 
feet  fall,  which  is  between  thirteen  and  fourteen  feet  in  all,  to  speak 
within  compass.  After  it  has  passed  through  the  saw-mill  it  comes  to 
the  corn-mill,  an  undershot,  and  grinds  very  well,  so  that  we  generally 
saw  and  grind  together  with  the  same  water.  We  have  two  cranks 
upon  the  shaft  of  the  saw-mill  wheel,  and  two  carriages,  and  can  cut 
with  one  saw  seven  or  eight  hundred  feet  of  inch  boards  in  a  day,  and 
more  sometimes,  when  the  water  is  high,  timber  good  and  well  fol- 
lowed, viz.,  1,000  feet  or  more.  With  two  saws  together  she  will  cut 
12  or  15  hundred  feet  in  a  day,  or  in  about  12  hours'  time.  There  is 
belonging  to  these  mills  a  pretty  stream  of  water  and  constant  supply 
to  the  corn-mills  unless  in  a  very  dry  summer  ;  we  sometimes  are 
scant  at  the  latter  end  of  the  summer,  as  many  other  mills  are :  last 
summer,  and  the  summer  and  winter  before,  it  was  very  dry,  and  we 
wanted  at  the  latter  end  of  the  summer,  but  now  we  have  enough,  and 
so  it  is  likely  to  continue.  We  have  a  large  pond  course, 'two  or  three 
hundred  acres  of  ground,  which  is  a  great  benefit  to  the  mills.  Hitherto 
we  have  not  had  full  experience  of  what  quantity  of  water  we  may  have 
for  the  saw-mills  yearly,  but  suppose  we  have  enough  to  saw  six  months 
in  a  year,  at  least,  it  may  be  eight  months  or  more,  in  which  time  sup- 
pose we  may  saw  150  or.  200  thousand  of  boards,  as  the  water  may 
continue.  I  suppose  the  profits  or  earnings  from  the  saw-mills  may 
be  near  ;^4oo  a  year,  and  from  the  corn-mills,  now  corn  is  low, 
^250  a  year,  or  ;^65o,  out  of  which  take  one-third  for  tending, 
is  near  £,'2.20  ;  add  jC^-^p  a  year  for  charges  besides,  (there)  ^-emains 
about  p^4oo,  which  is  the  interest  of  _;^5,ooo. 

Besides  these  mills  I  have  the  islands  that  lie  over  against  Burling- 
ton, adjacent  a  considerable  quantity  of  lands  and  town  lots,  the  whole 
being  about  2,000  acres  ;  the  islands  have  about  350  acres,  of  which 
about  one  half  may  be  made  meadow;  at  present  there  is  about  twenty 
or  thirty  acres  meadow ;  besides  other  meadow  lands  and  pretty 
considerable  improvements,  and  also  a  considerable  quantity  may  be 
watered  from  the  pond  and  will  make  good  meadow,  lying  below  the 
water  to  the  quantity  from  50  to  100  acres.  There  is  a  considerable 
quantity  of  white-oak  timber  upon  part  of  the  land  to  accommodate 

*  [The  word  "  corn  "  was  at  this  time  used  as  applicable  only  to  wheat,  as  now  in 
England,  and  Indian  corn  was  then  called  "maize."  —  Editor.] 


234  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

of  the  intolerable  hardships  they  lie  under,  in  things  their  prin- 
ciples will  not  suffer  them  to  be  free  in,  as  oaths  and  arms.  The 

the  saw-mill,  for  which  end  I  bought  the  land  where  it  stands,  and  the 
most  of  it  is  about  three  miles  from  the  mills;  it  may  with  a  reason- 
able charge,  by  making  another  pond,  be  floated  down  two  miles,  and 
some  of  it  more,  through  the  ponds  to  the  mills,  at  a  little  charge  of 
land  carriage.  I  cannot  be  accurate  in  the  quantity,  but  I  have  not 
seen  a  finer  parcel  in  my  travels,  and  I  may  modestly  compute  it  to 
make  several  thoiKand  when  cut  into  ship  plank  and  other  scantling; 
and  there  is  no  danger  but  timber  may  be  had  in  time  to  come,  both 
oak  and  pine,  floated  up  or  down  the  river  to  the  tail  of  the  mills;  it  is 
wanted  to  supply  Philadelphia  in  great  quantities,  and  now  more  than 
ever.  The  next  material  conveniency  is  that  these  mills  stand  in  a 
town  but  about  a  mile  and  a  quarter  from  Burlington,  and  twenty 
from  Philadelphia;  and  the  corn-mills  are  well  accustomed,  and  the 
towns  and  country  adjacent  and  Philadelphia  will  take  off  the  boards, 
scantling,  plank,  &c.,  for  housework,  ship,  and  joiners.  We  sell  one- 
inch  boards  at  the  mill  at  8  shillings  per  100,  at  which  rate  we  have 
four  shillings  or  better  for  cutting.  For  good  mills  of  both  sorts, 
lands  and  meadows,  situation  and  all  things  considered,  there  is  not 
the  like  in  these  parts,  and  I  believe  if  thou  wast  here,  thou  would 
like  it  as  well,  if  not  better  than  anything  thou  mayst  find  in  this  coun- 
try. Because  I  am,  as  I  said  before,  much  in  debt,  I  would  sell  the 
whole  or  one  half,  which  thou  please.  I  believe  it  stands  me  in  about 
five  thousand  pounds,  and  is  worth  more,  being,  besides  the  yearly  in- 
come of  the  mills,  a  growing  estate  ;  but  being  under  necessity,  I  would 
sell  to  lose  rather  than  miss  so  good  a  chapman  and  partner  as  thyself. 
I  desire  thee  to  consider  of  it,  and  if  thou  hast  any  inclination  thou 
mayst  write  to  some  friends  to  view  and  learn  the  true  value  of  these 
things,  which  I  think  may  be  understood  without  much  difficulty.  The 
largest  of  the  above  said  islands  is  about  a  mile  in  length,  and  half  a 
mile  in  breadth ;  and  suppose  it  may  contain  about  300  acres,  near 
100  upland,  the  rest  swamp  and  cripple  that  high  tides  flow  over, 
but  may  with  a  moderate  charge  be  laid  dry  and  make  good  meadow. 
I  have  thought  of  stopping  a  creek  which  I  suppose  will  lay  dry  100 
of  it.  There  is  a  fine  mulberry  walk,  and  an  orchard,  and  a  tenement 
on  it,  and  a  very  pleasant  place  ;  it  is  just  against  the  High  Street  of 
Burlington,  and  hardly  half  a  mile  over  the  river.  I  am  willing  to 
sell  that  by  itself,  or  one  half  with  the  rest.  I  have  also  five  thousand 
acres  of  land  about  fourteen  or  fifteen  miles  from  Philadelphia,  the 
like  from  Bristol,  and  about  eleven  or  twelve  miles  from  the  nearest  to 
the  river  Delaware,  at  Pemapake,  or  Poquissing  creek,  about  four  miles 
from  North  Wales,  as  much  from  Southampton,  and  settlements  near. 
The  land  is  good  and  well  situate,  which  I  would  sell  also.  And  I 
would  sell  my  house  and  granary  on  the  wharf,  where  I  lived  last,*  and 

*  In  Walnut  Street,  afterwards  possessed  by  R.  Meredith,  who  married   a    grand- 
daughter of  S.  Carpenter.  —  L. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  235 

council  requires  five,  and  there  are  but  eight  besides  Friends, 
of  which  one  is  so  insufferably  brittle,  J.  Guest  I  mean,  that  he 
is  now  almost  useless,  and  of  late  nearly  fallen  off  C.  B.  is 
tight,  his  eldest  son  being  lately  made  sheriff,  upon  T.  F.  laying 
it  down.  Friends  can  scarcely  bear  up  under  the  difficulties 
they  are  oppressed  with,  and  I  earnestly  hope  they  may  not  be 
betrayed  into  a  forfeiture  of  their  testimony.  If  once  an  occa- 
sion for  warlike  commissions  should  come  upon  us,  and  we  know 
not  how  soon  it  may,  our  government  will  be  soon  broken  or 
miserably  exposed.  I  beg,  therefore,  for  the  love  of  truth  and 
all  that  is  valuable  to  thee  here,  to  take  some  effectual  course 
to  put  all  into  true  hands.  I  can  answer,  for  my  own  part,  I 
am  weary  of  government  affairs  as  they  must  be  managed. 

Pray  consider  what  must  be  done  when  an  assembly  is  held 
with  the  lower  counties,  for  the  province  will  never  more  act 
with  them,  I  believe,  under  this  government.  Had  Gov.  Ham- 
ilton lived,  we  should  I  doubt  have  been  in  confusion. 

G.  Owen  and  myself  have  received  the  hats,  but  wherever  the 
mistake  lay  they  answer  not  their  character,  for  they  are  not 
beaver. 

the  wharves  and  warehouses,  or  part  of  them,  also  the  Globe  and  long 
wharf  adjacent.  I  have  three-sixteenths  of  5,000  acres  of  land,  and 
mine,  called  Pickering's  mine,  which  I  would  sell  also.  I  have  sold 
Elsenborough  to  Rothero  Morris,  who  is  since  dead  ;  and  my  house  * 
and  lot  over  against  David  Lloyd's  to  William  Trent,  and  the  scales  to 
Henry  Babcock,  and  some  other  things,  and  the  Coffee  House  to  Capt. 
Finney,  my  half  of  Derby  Mills  to  John  Bethel,  and  a  half  of  Chester 
Mill  to  Caleb  Pusey  and  his  son-in-law,  Henry  Worley.  I  shall  not 
trouble  thee  any  more  with  these  things,  but  conclude  with  mine  and 
my  wife's  kind  love  to  thee  and  thine :  desiring  a  few  lines  from  thee, 
I  am  thy  real  friend,  Sam'l.  Carpenter. 

*  The  house  and  lot  over  against  David  Lloyd's  is  the  old  slate-ioof  house  on 
.•second  Street,  opposite  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania.  William  Penn  lived  in  it  during 
his  stay  in  1700,  Samuel  Carpenter  moving  out  of  it  to  accommodate  him.  It  ever 
afterwards  was  called  the  "  Governor's  House."  David  LJoyd's  house  was  on  the 
site  of  the  present  Coffee  House,  or  perhaps  the  house  adjoining  to  the  soulli  *,  my 
brother,  J.  P.  Norris,  says  the  lot  was  patented  to  A.  Griscom,  who  probably  built 
on  it  the  first  Ijrick  house  recorded  to  have  been  built  in  Philadelphia,  16S3;  Gris- 
com's  heirs  sold  it  to  David  Lloyd  in  1699,  and  who  in  1715  sold  it  to  John  Kaighn; 
and  that  he  thinks  it  was  north  of  the  late  James  Ilogan's,  now  the  Bank  of  Penn- 
sylvania, having  also  a  faint  recollection  that  his  mother  once  told  him  David  Lloyd 
resided  in  it.  My  grandf;^thcr,  Isaac  Norris,  bought  the  slate-roof  house  of  William 
Trent,  and  lived  tliei-e  prior  lo  his  movmg  to  Fair  Hill.  It  is  now  owned  by  his 
great-granddaughter,  Sally  Norris  Dickinson.  —  L. 


236  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

If  thou  would  sometimes  furnish  me  with  a  pound  of  good 
tea,  of  which  I  am  grown  a  great  drinker,  I  should  make  satis- 
faction for  it.  I  have  mentioned  Butterworth's  brig,  but  was 
much  larger  in  that  dated  9th  5th-mo.,  1702. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  ']th  ']th-7no.,  1703. 

This  being  the  day  for  our  court  at  Philadelphia,  the  justices 
met,  and  the  council  having  directed  a  dcdinuis  to  Thomas 
Asheton,  for  qualifying  them  according  to  the  Queen's  orders, 
he  tendered  the  oaths  to  them  required  by  the  laws  of  England, 
and  with  the  rest  the  abjuration,  which  is  judged  by  the  said 
orders  to  be  as  indispensably  required  as  any.  J.  Guest,  who, 
returning.last  night  from  the  country,  where  he  now  keeps  much, 
appears  hearty  for  the  business  of  the  court,  C.  Finney,  E.  Far- 
mer, and  A.  Bankson  took  them  all,  and  Friends  by  affirmation, 
all  but  the  abjuration  ;  but  proceeding  to  business,  when  oaths 
came  to  be  administered  all  the  Friends  left  the  bench  and 
quitted  the  service,  leaving  it  to  the  other  four.  They  complain 
much  that  so  intolerable  a  hardship  should  be  put  upon  them 
now  in  this  country,  by  which  they  think  themselves  thrust  out 
of  all  business;  and  doubtless  'tis  a  great  severity  which  would 
scarce  be  extended  were  it  understood.  This  is  the  first  court 
that  has  been  held  in  the  province  since  the  arrival  of  the  said 
orders.  A  governor  will  absolutely  be  necessary.  Some  think 
Judge  Mompesson  will  be  the  readiest  at  hand  and  very  fit,  and, 
except  on  martial  accounts,  may  please  all ;  but  pray  let  the 
commission  be  firm.  An  approbation  for  him  may  perhaps  be 
easily  obtained. 

I  have  wrote  in  several  letters  of  Capt.  Dun,  a  prisoner  here 
on  suspicion  of  murder  at  sea,  and  sent  the  minutes  of  council 
1st  mo.  last,  via  New  York.  That  will  be  made  a  subject  of 
complaint,  for  we  have  no  way  here  to  try  him.  Had  the 
governor  lived  it  might  have; been  done,  but  now  'tis  impossible 
as  we  are  all  circumstanced. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  237 

Pray  take  as  little  notice  of  that  concerning  T.  S.'  as  possible: 
for  my  own  part,  I  shall  $mooth  all  to  my  utmost. 

I  have  nothing  to  add  but  that,  with  sincere  love  to  thyself  and 
family,  I  am  in  all  fidelity,     Thy  most  dutiful,  &c.,     J.  Logan. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  2>th  ']br.,  1703. 

Honored  Governor  : — Yesterday  I  wrote  to  Samuel  Jennings 
for  an  exemplification  of  the  abjuration,  in  the  words  which  he 
and  the  other  Friends  took  it  when  admitted  to  council,  which, 
for  the  reason  given  in  his  letter,  I  thought  proper  to  send  thee, 
and  the  letter  with  it:  my  packet  directed  to  the  secretary's  office 
being  gone,  I  send  this  to  W.  Aubrey. 

As  I  said  in  my  large  letter,  the  justices  who  are  Friends 
having  yesterday  gone  off  the  bench  and  left  the  court,  to-day  it 
has  been  held  by  the  other  four,  J.  Guest,  C.  Finney,  E.  Farmer, 
and  A.  B.,  who  administer  oaths  to  all  who  can  take  them,  fining 
those  that  will  not,  and  the  affirmation  to  all  others. 

In  the  evening,  Hugh  Derborow,  being  to  give  evidence  in  a 
criminal  cause,  refused  to  take  the  affirmation,  In  the  presence, 
&c.  J.  Guest  was  for  giving  it  as  he  would  take  it ;  all  the 
others  for  committing  him  for  contempt  of  the  court,  with  which 
all  the  officers  joining,  bore  hard  upon  the  judge,  and  it  was 
carried  so  high  they  were  near  a  rupture.  By  this  may  be  judged 
what  may  be  expected.  Whether  there  be  a  design  in  the  bot- 
tom, or  whether  all  accidental,  I  know  not,  but  am  sure  there 
can  be  no  firm  dependence  where  things  are  managed  thus. 
C.  Finney  I  know  is  true  to  the  government,  and  A.  B.  honest. 
E.  Farmer  I  never  yet  could  understand ;  but  notwithstanding 
pretences,  I  fear  somebody  else  has  a  particular  drift  in  it.  Pray 
let  this  be  one  instance  more  of  the  necessity  of  a  speedy  pro- 
vision. We  are  reduced  to  great  straits,  when  all  are  disabled 
by  that  ordinance  from  serving  thee  but  such  whose  profession 
too  much  removes  them  from  our  interests.     Pray  think  of  nomi- 


'  [Referring  to  his  difference  with  Thomas  Story,  of  which  he  writes 
in  a  former  letter.  —  Editor.] 


238  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [l/Oj. 

nating  one  forthwith,  with  approbation,  to  manage  for  some 
time,  till  terms  can  be  made;  for  I  believe  it  will  be  impossible 
to  administer  it  here  long  under  thee,  unless  we  can  find  a  new 
set  of  people.  But  let  these  terms  be  ever  so  good,  some  will 
have  cause  to  repent  them.  The  commission  for  the  Jerseys 
seems  a  bitter  pill  here,  and  hard  to  be  digested. 

Thou  knows  R.  Mompesson,  and  whether  he  will  be  fit,^  better 
than  we  can  here.  He  is  on  the  spot,  and  doubtless  would 
accept.  I  hope  this  will  not  give  thee  the  first  hint  of  it,  but 
that  a  commission  is  even  now  coming.  I  know  not  how  we 
shall  get  over  this  fall  and  winter  without  one.  Pray  send  du- 
plicates ;  and  remember  those  who  groan  under  burdens  they 
cannot  possibly  bear.  I  scarce  expect  this  court  will  be  held; 
if  not,  we  shall  have  none  in  the  province,  I  fear,  till  new  orders 
come ;  and  the  failure  of  justice  is  the  highest  complaint.  I 
shall  use  my  utmost  endeavors  with  those  I  have  an  interest  in, 
as  C.  Finney  and  Andrew  Bankson.  Of  the  other  two,  I  can 
make  but  little,  for  they  are  past  most  men's  understanding, 
though  E.  Farmer  carries  it  exceeding  fair,  and  I  have  been 
forced  to  let  him  deal  unkindly  by  me  in  trade,  that  he  might 
not  be  disobliged  in  these  points,  or  withdraw  now  when  we 
want  him.     But  I  must  conclude,  &c. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 
\_Extract.'\  Philadelphia,  wth  ■]br.,  1703,  9  hor.  P.M. 

....  Because  Col.  Quary,  I  am  informed,  before  his  depart- 
ure hence  to  Virginia,  has  made  all  possible  preparations  for 
complaints  and  articles,  which  he  industriously  lays  plots  for, 
against  this  government,  to  misrepresent  us  under  all  the  disad- 
vantages he  can  invent  to  our  superiors  at  home,  and  because 
his  vicegerent  in  mischief  as  well  as  other  offices,  J.  Moore,  has 
this  week  strenuously  endeavored,  by  his  profession  in  the  law, 
to  perplex  our  court  at  Philadelphia,  that  disorders  there,  could 
he  procure  them,  might  yield  them  a  pretence,  I  send  this 
Express  after  the  Messenger  brigantine,  who  sailed  to  North 

'  For  governor.  —  L. 


[703.]  CORRESrONDENCr.  239 

Carolina  five  days  ago,  to  inform  thee  that,  notwithstanding  all 
their  attempts  and  designs  laid  to  the  contrary,  the  said  court, 
which  is  the  principal  in  the  government,  being  opened  on  the 
7th  instant,  the  day  appointed  by  law,  has  been  held,  and  pro- 
ceeded very  regularly  these  three  days  past,  with  an  exact  ob- 
servation of  the  Queen's  order  in  council,  and  so  is  likely  to 
close,  the  magistrates  and  justices  having  surmounted  all  diffi- 
culties that  our  adversaries  heaped  in  their  way.//''Chestcr  court, 
by  means  of  J.  Moore's  and  Jasper  Yeates's  artifices,  with  the  per- 
sons to  whom  the  dcdimus  for  qualifying  the  justices  was  directed, 
adjourning  for  a  inonth,  he  refusing  to  obey  it  through  a  punc- 
tilio cast  in  his  way;  but  that  of  Bucks  happening,  at  this  time, 
in  the  same  week  with  Philadelphia,  which  it  rarely  does,  and 
the  same  busy  instrument,  J.  Moore,  by  his  more  necessary 
attendance  here,  being  obliged  to  be  absent,  they  proceeded 
without  any^  ....  that  I  can  hear  of,  pursuant  to  the  said  order, 
in  the  lower  counties,  where  is  no  obstruction ;  nor  will  there,  I 
hope,  be  any  here.  But  those  other  two  small  courts  of  Chester 
and  Bucks,  whose  counties  thou  knows  are  almost  wholly  peo- 
pled with  Quakers,  will,  when  business  that  requires  oaths  fall  in 
their  way,  be  very  much  perplexed,  there  being  scarce  any  fit  to 
be  empowered  to  administer;  in  the  latter  scarce  one,  that  I  know 
of,  as  the  council  has  at  large  represented  to  thee  in  their  letter. 

The  council  uses  their  utmost  endeavor  to  carry  affairs  regu- 
larly, and  preserve  good  order,^but  the  unwearied  malice  and 
injustice  of  our  adversaries  make  it  exceeding  troublesome : 
which  with  their  principles  that  render  them  scarce  capable  of 
discharging  some  duties,  make  a  speedy  provision  of  a  fit  per- 
son the  more  absolutely  necessary,  with  the  Queen's  approba- 
tion, to  take  the  government  upon  him. 

The  Indians  who  did  the  mischief  to  the  eastward,  I  wrote 
thee  before,  are  retired,  and,  though  pursued  by  strong  partfes, 
cannot  be  met  with ;  some  that  were  taken  allege  that  the  French 
threatened  to  take  their  lives  if  they  would  not  join  them.  This, 
per  last  post,  by  which  also  we  are  told  of  great  success  in 
Europe,  as with  his  squadron  being  taken,  a  victory  ob- 

^  [Unintelligible.  — Editor.] 


240  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17O3. 

taincd  by  rrincc  Lewis  of  Baden.  The  Portuguese  entering  the 
aUiance,'  two  French  men-of-war,  with  twenty-six  sail  of  mer- 
chant-men, are  taken  now  at  Newfoundland;  but  it  all  wants 
confirmation,  that  of  Portugal  excepted,  which  we  have  more 
credibly. 

Captain  Pulleyn's  sliip,  called  the  Fame,  mentioned  in  the 
council's  letter,  left  her  companion.  Capt.  Dampiere,  taking 
fire  at  Bermuda,  was  blown  up  with  her  own  powder;  the  col- 
lector of  Lewes,  I  am  informed,  was  obliged  to  draw  up  an 
account,  by  the  command  of  a  superior,  of  her  prize  coming  to 
Lewes,  as  is  mentioned  in  said  letter,  with  the  most  grave  rep- 
resentation they  could  put  upon  it.  I  know  not  to  what  purpose, 
for  the  captain  of  the  said  prize,  as  soon  as  he  had  watered,  car- 
ried her  into  York,  and  there,  as  we  are  told  by  the  Post,  legally 
condemned  her;  they  cannot  sure  make  anything  relating  to 
her  an  article. 

I  have  wrote  to  thee  as  ordered,  directed  to  White  Hall,  which 
I  hope  will  come  safe  with  the  two  bills  I  enclosed  for  ^50 
sterling,  and  an  invoice  of  fine  furs,  which  was  all  I  could  get 
ready. 

Our  tobacco  not  answering  in  England,  I  shall  ship  it  to  Bar- 
badoes,  and  have  lately  sent  by  the  Jolly  Galley  eight  hogs- 
heads, and  in  the  Pennsbury  Galley  intend  twelve  more ;  but 
the  Queen's  duties  paid  here  outwards  doubles  the  risk  and  value, 
the  former  of  which  is  now  exceeding  great  to  those  islands 
by  reason  of  the  Martinico  privateers,  who  are  ....  those  of 
Guadalupe,  who  were  beat  from  their  dwellings,  having  gener- 
ally taken  up  that  trade,  and,  provoked  by  what  they  have  suf- 
fered by  that  fruitless  attack,  are  exceedingly  mischievous. 

We  are  generally  healthy,  and  at  length  relieved  from  the 
consequences  we  feared  from  an  unusual  drought,  for  above  two 
months  past,  which  had  nearly  destroyed  the  grass  entirely  from 
both  woods  and  fields.  The  next  I  hope  will  accompany  thy 
son,  and  an  approved  governor,  or  rather  commission  to  such 
an  one  here,  than  which  nothing  relating  to  our  public  affairs 
could  be  more  acceptable  to  all  concerned  for  thy  interest. 

'  [6th  May,  1703.  — Editor.] 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  24I 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Portsmouth,  13M  ith-mo.,  1703. 
Though  Joshua  Cheeseman  is  bound  for  two  years  from  the 
time  of  his  arrival  in  our  province,  by  his  indenture,  yet  I  do 
hereby  certify,  that  out  of  the  love  I  have  for  him,  taking  him 
to  be  a  sober  and  steady  young  man,  and  industrious,  that  will 
not  lose  nor  trifle  away  time,  I  am  contented  that  the  half  the 
time  of  his  passage  from  this  place  shall  be  allowed  him,  as  part 
of  the  two  years  he  is  to  serve  me  by  indenture.  I  would  have 
him  kept  close  to  Pennsbury :  he  is  good  for  the  farm,  being 
bred  to  country  business,  but  for  the  last  two  years  has  been 
with  a  vintner  to  draw  wines  and  tend  company;  and  if  the  Lord 
bring  me  there,  I  design  him  for  my  house-steward  and  butler. 
Be  kind  to  him.  I  have  writ  at  large  by  my  son,  to  which 
refer  thee,  though  I  believe  I  shall  by  this  bearer  send  one  of 
some  importance,  that  comes  by  him  as  the  fittest  way.  My 
daughter  and  son  Aubrey  salute  thee. 

I  am  thy  assured  friend,         Wm.  Penn, 

P.  S.  —  Keep  my  son  as  expenseless  as  may  be  ;  if  you  all  live 
together  in  town,  as  I  have  writ,  then  Joshua  may  serve  for  but- 
ler ;  but  if  Sam.  Carpenter  invites  my  son,  or  any  good  friend, 
let  Joshua  go  up,  or  with  hands  elsewhere,  as  I  have  writ  before. 
Vale. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  24/^  ']br.,  1703. 
The  parchment  and  letter  of  attorney  communicate  to  S.  Car- 
penter forthwith,  and  lose  no  time  to  dispose  of  the  said  lantis, 
lots,  and  liberty  land,  that  so  the  interest  ;^I20  may  come  to  an 
end,  that  else  will  be  a  load  upon  me.  I  wish,  with  all  my  heart, 
I  had  it  for  one  of  my  poor  bairns,  if  thou  can'st  give  as  good 
a  price  as  any  one  else.  Vcrbinn  sat  sapienti.  We  are  all  through 
mercy  pretty  well,  and  salute  thee.     Farewell.  W,  P. 

By  to-morrow's  post  expect  a  letter  to  Samuel  Carpenter  and 

VOL.  I. —  17 


242  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [l703- 

thyself  from  the  trustees,  to  back  that  of  attorney  which  I  now 
send.     Vale. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  29//;  iih-mo.,  1703. 

An  opportunity  offering  that  expects  to  overtake  the  fleet  at 
Virginia,  I  make  use  of  it  to  continue  all  necessary  information. 

Yesterday,  the  council  sitting,  John  Bewley,  collector  of  this 
port,  Samuel  Lowman,  collector  of  New  Castle,  and  Henry 
Brook,  of  Lewes,  being  all  in  town,  and  having  by  the  last  fleet 
received  new  commissions  for  their  places  under  the  Queen, 
desired  to  take  the  usual  oaths  enjoined  by  several  acts  of  Par- 
liament, to  be  taken  by  officers  before  that  board,  which  now 
represents  the  governor;  but  the  thing  being  new  to  most  of 
them,  those  acts  themselves  that  enjoin  the  oaths  were  inquired 
into  ;  upon  which  it  appeared  they  ought  to  be  taken  according 
to  the  said  acts,  either  before  the  chancellor  or  in  chancery,  or 
in  the  king's  bench,  or  at  the  quarter  sessions  ;  but  neither  of  the 
first  being  properly  here,  and  the  council  being  incapable  of  ad- 
ministering oaths  in  that  manner,  notwithstanding  they  find 
expedients  in  other  cases  of  absolute  necessity,  they  referred 
the  said  officers  to  the  said  courts  of  quarter  session  in  their 
respective  counties. 

With  this,  John  Bewley,  and  that  most  ingenious  young  gen- 
tleman Henry  Brook,  younger  son  of  Sir  Henry  Brook,  of 
Cheshire,  were  well  satisfied ;  but  Samuel  Lowman,  who,  since 
his  coming  to  New  Castle,  has  fallen  in  with  that  club  whose 
plot  is  the  subversion  of  the  government,  makes  a  noise  of  it  by 
instruction  of  his  oracle,  J.  Moore,  who  tells  him  they  have  no 
quarter  sessions  at  all,  and  that  the  council  had  now  shown 
they  knew  they  had  no  power  themselves,  because,  forsooth, 
some  of  them  who  could  not  swear  took,  instead  of  an  oath,  the 
affirmation;  an  egregious  piece  of  impudence — while  he  knows 
the  council  has,  since  the  governor's  death,  discharged  all  duties 
incumbent  on  them. 

Lowman,  for  engaging  on  that  part,  is  patronized  by  the  sur- 
veyor-general, Quary  representing  him  to  the  commander  as  a 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  243 

most  active  and  vigilant  officer  for  the  Queen's  interests,  while 
no  man  alive  can  discern  any  other  merit  in  him  than  abusing 
the  government,  not  in  anything  relating  to  his  place,  for  he 
has  no  occasion  there,  but  in  supporting  of  factions  and  eagerly 
contending  for  Quary.  I  hope,  however,  he  will  be  wiser.  It 
is  not  so  much  he  as  the  instructors  he  has  enlisted  himself 
under,  who  requite  him  in  their  letters  to  the  board  at  home,  as 
if  to  study  our  confusion  must  be  merit  with  the  Queen,  and  to 
abuse  the  Quakers  to  support  her  interests. 

In  discourse  with  an  honest  gentleman  of  this  place  to-day, 
on  these  heads,  who  would  be  nameless  there,  he  told  me  that 
after  Bewley  had  (as  is  wrote  at  large  in  the  council's  letter)  ad- 
ministered the  oath  to  those  of  the  board  who  could  take  it, 
when  Col.  Quary  and  the  other  commander  had  refused,  the 
.said  Quary,  provoked  at  what  Bewley  had  done,  told  him  it 
was  he  had  made  the  government,  and  it  was  his ;  but  had  he 
forbore,  and  followed  his.  Col.  Quary's,  example,  things  would 
have  been  well  enough ;  that  is,  says  the  relator,  as  Bewley  said, 
^' all  in  confusion,  for  that  is  what  they  seek.'' 

'T  is  plain  to  any  man  whose  senses  are  not  poisoned  with 
malice,  that  the  forbearing  to  take  that  oath,  though  for  the  se- 
curity  of  trade,  if  nobody  should  administer  it,  it  could  never 
unqualify  a  government;  yet  this,  among  hundreds  of  others,  is 
a  plain  indication  that  those  men  employ  the  power  they  are  so 
unhappily  vested  with  for  no  other  end  than  to  reduce  us  into 
anarchy,  and  trample  upon  the  Queen's  peaceable  subjects, 
whose  honest  endeavors  are  much  more  for  her  interest  and 
benefit  of  the  crown,  than  all  the  serving  of  thousands  of  such 
hungry  scamps,  who  seek  nothing  but  to  render  themselves 
great  by  the  spoils  of  the  innocent,  without  any  regard  to  any 
other  interest  whatsoever,  as  is  sufficiently  known  by  all  their 
neighbors  of  probity,  as  well  of  their  own  church  as  of  others, 
whose  eyes  they  have  not  yet  darkened  by  throwing  that  spe- 
cious mist  and  pretence  of  religion  before  them.  In  short,  we 
live  under  an  insupportable  state  of  cruelty,  while  our  superiors, 
who,  we  doubt  not,  are  sufficiently  inclined  to  protect  and  re- 
lieve us,  extend  their  authority  and  influence  through  no  other 
channel  than  such  as  almost  poison  them  to  us  in  the  convex-- 


244  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

ance.  To-day  I  have  also  had  some  warm  discourses  with 
l.owman,  who,  among  other  things,  dropt  this,  "  that  Bewley 
might  have  occasion  to  see  the  folly  of,  and  repent  what  he  had 
done  in  administering  that  oath  as  aforesaid."  'T  is  certain  that 
Quary,  because  his  speed  in  malice  and  factious  resolves,  by 
means  of  his  office  as  surveyor,  does  him  what  mischief  he  can, 
though  they  never  yet  could  object  anything  here  to  his  face 
against  him  relating  to  his  office;  nor  is  it  that  he  joins  with 
Friends  or  any  others,  but  only  that  he  honestly  thinks  it  his 
business  to  live  quietly  and  wish  well  to  the  public,  while  others 
use  their  utmost  efforts  to  undermine  all. 

I  have  informed  thee  two  several  ways  that  Bucks  and  Phila- 
delphia courts  have  been  regularly  held  with  an  exact  observ- 
ance of  the  Queen's  order,  but  in  the  first  no  oaths  were  offered, 
there  being  none  there  to  take  them,  which,  nevertheless,  had 
J.  Moore  been  there,  we  find  would  have  been  otherwise,  but 
Philadelphia  court  requiring  his  attendance  here,  prevented  him. 
Chester  court  being  adjourned,  because  of  the  oaths  required, 
the  council  has  issued  a  new  commission,  in  which  the  Judge 
Guest,  Jer.  Collet,  and  Walter  Martin,  besides  most  of  those  that 
were  in  before ;  J.  B.  C.  only  and  R.  Pile  left  out,  both  at  their 
own  request. 

On  the  20th  instant,  Samuel  Bulkley  died,  after  a  short  indis- 
position, passing  away  before  his  illness  was  much  taken  notice 
of;  and  on  the  24th,  between  nine  and  ten  at  night,  Esther 
Spicer,  widow,  as  she  was  undressing  in  bed,  in  her  own  house, 
was  struck  dead,  with  two  of  her  servants,  with  thunder,  three 
more  in  the  same  room  escaping.  They  were  buried  the  next 
first-day,  30  boats,  and  above  400  people,  attending  the  corpses 
by  water. 

There  was  in  the  late  inroad  to  the  eastward  about  90  persons 
killed  by  the  Indians,  and  80  carried  away.  The  enemy  can 
never  since  be  met  with. 

Judge  Mompesson  is  gone  again  to  Rhode  Island  from  hence, 
but  returns  next  month.  I  hope  by  the  first  vessels  we  shall 
have  a  commission  for  a  governor,  which  is  extremely  wanted ; 
but  pray  be  pleased  to  think  what  shall  be  done  with  the  lower 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  245 

counties,  who,  under  this  constitution,  will  never  join  the  pro- 
vince in  legislation;  upon  which  I  would  beg  leave  to  add  one 
word  more. 

It  is  very  boldly  affirmed  here  that  thou  art  upon  a  treaty  of 
surrender;  if  so,  I  much  crave  liberty  to  put  thee  in  mind  that 
unless  thou  canst  get  a  governor  of  thy  own  making,  with  tht 
Queen's  approbation,  to  set  things  boldly  to  rights,  to  support 
for  some  little  time  thy  interests,  and  to  pass  some  good  laws, 
that  may  not  fail  of  the  royal  assent,  for  settling  the  rights  of 
the  country,  and  the  privileges  of  the  people,  with  thy  own,  and 
to  form  a  regular  constitution  for  the  courts,  with  their  several 
jurisdictions,  which  must  ever  be  the  rampart  of  our  liberties, 
we  shall,  when  the  opportunity  is  over,  too  late  repent  of  it;  for 
to  fall  under  such  a  commission  as  is  over  our  river,  would  startle 
any  man  who  ever  had  entertained  a  notion  of  freedom  ;  and 
the  lower  counties  parting  with  us  at  this  juncture,  if  to  be  united 
again  should  a  revolution  come,  may  prove  a  happiness  ;  for 
without  them  some  good  may  be  done,  but  with  them  never 
any  for  this  province.  If  thou  obtain  any  articles,  if  such  things 
be  in  agitation,  pray,  for  the  honor  of  thy  own  name,  remember 
the  people  thou  brought  hither  from  their  native  land,  that  those 
who  take  delight  in  speaking  evil  may  find  no  room  for  reflec- 
tions.    There  are  many  jealousies  here  about  it. 

In  New  Castle  County,  I  am  informed,  they  design  to  hold  no 
more  courts,  by  reason  of  the  defects  in  the  council's  commis- 
sion, till  a  better  power  comes  from  England ;  but  I  hope  we 
shall  persuade  them  better. 

If  such  a  constitution  as  I  have  mentioned  could  be  brought 
on  the  anvil.  Judge  Mompesson  would  be  highly  serviceable. 
I  hope,  if  Providence  has  ordered  so,  that  we  are  near  a  critical 
juncture,  with -the  lower  counties  parting  with  the  assembly; 
but  we  cannot,  I  believe,  be  distinct  always. 

If  not  a  governor  for  some  small  time  here,  could  he  be  made 
chief  justice  by  the  Queen  for  Jersey,  and  continue  the  same,  or 
be  made  so,  for  he  is  not  yet,  under  thee,  for  this  place,  it  would 
be  a  great  encouragement,  and  he  could  serve  more  provinces 
than  both  these  in  that  station. 

Judge  Guest,  from  the  lowest  of  our  expectation,  has,  this  last 


246  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

long  court,  which  held  eleven  days,  outdone  the  highest,  and 
resolves,  he  says,  to  be  hearty.  'T  is  on  that  he  goes  down  to 
Chester,  where,  two  days  hence,  I  must  accompany  him,  to  try 
if  we  can  force  them  there  into  order. 

I  shall  not  now  add  but  that  I  am  now  as  ever 

Thy  most  dutiful  and  affectionate  J.  Logan. 

Per  Randal  Janncy  to  Virginia,  thence  per  Guernsey  man-of- 
war. 

Postscript,  {from  Cluster}^  —  I  have  yet  time  to  add  the  follow- 
ing: —  Yesterday  was  the  election  for  assembly,  by  charter,  in 
Philadelphia.  They  have  chosen  Rowland  Ellis,  Nicholas  Wain, 
S.  Richardson,  Gr.  Jones,  A.  Morris,  David  Lloyd,  Isaac  Norris, 
and  Samuel  Cart ;  and  for  the  corporation,  J.  Wilcox  and  Chas. 
Read.  In  this  county  they  have  chosen  upon  the  breach  of  the 
lower  counties,  and  in  Bucks  I  suppose,  the  same.  About  six 
weeks  ago,  Capt.  Finney's  son  was  made  sheriff  of  Philadelphia, 
upon  T.  Fairman's  laying  it  down  ;  but  the  people,  by  charter, 
having  the  nomination  of  two  persons  to  be  presented  for  that 
place,  the  corporation,  angry  with  the  father,  resolved  to  out 
the  son,  which  was  kept  very  private  till  very  near  the  hour;  buc 
coming  to  the  knowledge  of  it,  I  used  my  utmost  endeavors, 
and  got  a  sufficient  part  to  get  the  election  for  sheriff  this  year 
to  drop ;  so  that  for  twelve  months  longer  he  stands.  It  would 
have  been  very  ungrateful,  and  of  ill  consequence  at  this  juncture, 
had  that  point  been  gained.  Instead  of  the  corporation,  I  might 
have  named  a  person  or  two  only  as  the  leaders,  but  shall  pass 
it,  for  they  are  not  all  to  be  blamed.  The  worst  of  it  was,  the 
design  lay  not  so  much  to  put  in  another  as  to  take  it  from  him. 
I  am  sure  Capt.  Finney  and  his  family  deserve  all  our  regards. 

Yesterday  and  to-day  the  court  of  this  county  was  held 
Judge  Guest  being  first  in  the  commission  ;  Jasper  Yeates,  though 
justice  by  this  elective  place,  in  the  borough,  and  Walter  Martin, 
refused,  and  Jeremiah  Collet  declined  to  act.  The  court  was 
held,  however ;  so  that  we  have  now  gone  round,  both  in  the 
province  and  territories.  The  next,  I  fear,  is  Bucks  and  New 
Castle ;  however,  what  endeavors  can  be  used  shall  not  be 
wanting.  I  came  not  hither  till  this  morning,  because  of  the 
election  above.     As  for  David  Lloyd,  I  find  he  must  be  in  ;  there- 


1703.]                                 CORRESPONDENCE.  247 

fore   resolve,   as   honorably  as  possible,  to  fall  in  with   him,  it 
being,  as  things  stand,  of  absolute  necessity. 

I  am,  &c.,  J.  L. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  4M  Xbr.,  1703. 
I  have  thine  of  the  last  ships,  viz.,  Experiment  and  Philadel- 
phia, six  weeks  since,  and  Messenger,  yesterday,  and  hope  they 
are  all  answered  by  my  lieutenant  governor  and  dear  child,  who 
are  gone  towards  you,  and  I  hope  actually  with  you  by  this 
time,  being  eight  weeks  gone.  I  have  writ  at  large  also  to 
thee,  to  the  commissioners  of  property,  each  of  them,  and  a  let- 
ter to  S.  Carpenter,  I.  Norris,  R.  Hill,  besides,  also,  to  my  cous- 
ins Markham  and  Ashcton.  My  son  has  them,  and  that  to 
the  council,  &c.  I  think  R.  Mompesson's  the  governor  has.  I 
only  omitted  that  of  the  Spaniard,  but  I  hope  what  I  had  writ 
before  had  been  sufficient ;  for,  whatever  you  may  think,  having 
recommendatory  letters  from  Barbadoes  and  New  York  for  a 
fair,  honest,  but  unhapp)'  man,  abused  by  a  Quaker  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  some  of  our  ill-willers  here  furnishing  him  with  a  fine 
set  of  clothes,  he  attacks  me  before  the  Queen,  if  not  in  Parlia- 
ment; and,  though  ridiculous,  yet  it  looks  dirty  that  one  Quaker 
shall  cozen  a  man,  and  the  other  refuse  him  justice;  and  where 
bias  may  be  already,  at  least  some  dirt  sticks,  and  some  preju- 
dice is  retained,  wherefore  let  me  have  the  history  of  my  earn- 
est endeavors  to  issue  that  matter  as  an  officious  arbiter,  for  as 
governor  it  lay  not  before  me,  the  cause  never  passing  through 
any  court  of  the  country  to  come  by  appeal,  though,  in  council, 
I  have  sat  to  hear  it  several  times.  Ask  Edward  Shippen,  J. 
Guest,  and  the  widow  D.  Lloyd,  J.  M.,  who  said  he  was  a  great 
rogue,  but  wished  the  widow  would  be  persuaded  to  compass  it. 
Also  ask  T.  Murray  of  my  solicitousness.  For  your  perplexi- 
ties in  government,  methinks  you  have  brought  it  too  much 
upon  yourselves,  for  why  should  you  obey  any  order  obtained 
by  the  Lords  of  Trade,  or  otherwise,  which  is  not  according  to 
patent  or   law  here,  nor  the   laws  of  your  own  country,  which 


248  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

are  to  govern  you  till  repealed,  and  none  are  but  one;  and  the 
commissioners  prayed  me  not  to  send  that,  viz.,  about  lowering 
money,  of  which  I  have  writ,  that  thou  mightest  consider  my 
interest.  But  New  England's  standard,  take  it  for  granted,  will 
be  that  of  all  the  continent  at  least ;  and  had  not  a  law  of  theirs 
been  confirmed  by  King  William  unwarily,  that  can't  be  re- 
pealed without  their  consent,  the  English  standard  had  been  the 
measure  of  America  at  large.  I  say,  the  abjuration,  &c.,  are, 
besides  your  clue,  and  I  admire  at  your  weakness  in  not  keep- 
ing to  law.  Queens  never  read,  as  well  as  kings,  what  they 
sign  ;  they  are  signed  upon  the  credit  of  committees  or  secre- 
taries. 

I  desire  you  to  pluck  up  that  English  and  Christian  courage 
to  not  suffer  yourselves  to  be  thus  treated  and  put  upon.  Let 
those  factious  fellows  do  their  worst,  keep  them  in  evidence, 
and  in  qualifications,  which  give  you  this  perplexity,  and  I  will 
bear  you  out.  If  you  will  resign  the  laws,  customs,  and  usages 
tamely,  instead  of  persisting  till  you  see  what  becomes  of  the 
laws,  now  with  the  attorney-general,  I  can't  help  it;  but  a 
decent  refusal  were  wisest. 

The  loss  of  Gov.  Hamilton  has  been  great  all  round.  Being 
upon  the  crisis,  he  would  have  carried  Lord  Cornbury  from 
Quary,  &c. ;  he  would  have  tried  the  offenders,  qualified  or 
countenanced  the  magistrates,  and  removed  the  objection  of  the 
defence  ;  but  you  would  have  been,  perhaps,  too  happy  with 
him,  and  R.  Mompesson  too.  Howbeit  an  honest  and  discreet 
young  man  is  gone,  who  will,  I  hope,  patrisave  [sic]  to  me  at  least. 
He  can  and  will  rectify  all,  I  believe:  spirit  him,  and  creep  not. 
I  am  here  yet,  and  lose  what  you  lose  like  men  and  Christians. 
Intrinsic  weight  and  worth  will  carry  it  all  the  world  over.  No 
subsisting  without  downright  force  against  number,  weight,  and 
measure.  Mathematics  will  be  too  hard  for  all  the  world  that 
pretends  to  govern  against  it.  We  seem  here  to  be  upon  at 
least  a  cessation  of  arms  with,  or  at,  the  Lords  Commissioners 
for  Trade  and  Plantations,  since  I  prevailed  for  Mompesson 
ind  a  new  deputy  governor. 

For  a  comrriission  for  a  new  council,  I  refer  you  to  Col.  Evans 
to  perform,  being  an  approved  governor.     As   for  Lord  Corn- 


1703]  CORRESPONDENCE.  249 

bury,  he  proves,  as  I  expected,  and  sent  you  word  in  some  of 
my  letters.  I  have  writ  four  packets  by  way  of  New  England, 
New  York,  and  Virginia,  of  which  I  hear  nothing  yet,  that  treat 
upon  that  subject  a  little.  Carry  fair,  rely  and  mind  little,  and 
believe  nothing  from  that  corner  of  the  compass.  His  father  is 
a  well-intending  gentleman,  but  troubled  with  the  puck  [s/c] 
for  the  church;  his  uncle,  a  significant  and  great  man,  and  a 
man  of  honor,  though  not  parson  for  us. 

For  the  Indians,  I  leave  to  others  to  answer  for  that,  New 
York,  I  mean,  for  not  keeping  as  might  the  Five  Nations  to  us, 
draws  the  line  of  jealousy  over  us,  and  fear  into  the  bargain. 
But  your  new  governor  will  take  care  of  that:  whatever  thou 
dost,  get  him  into  good  hands,  men  of  truth,  sobriety,  and  jus- 
tice, and  give  the  true  side  of  Quary  and  Moore  to  him,  their 
knavery,  falsehood,  corruption,  and  faction,  for  I  think  a  worse 
man  than  Quary  does  not  live,  as  something  I  shall  send,  per- 
haps by  this  conveyance  per  packet-boat  to  Barbadoes,  if  not 
gone  from  Falmouth,  will  tell  thee,  but  not  to  be  made  public 
till  Col.  Quary  first  see  it,  and  be  asked  if  he  will  change  his 
conduct,  and  become  another  man  to  us,  else  io,ooo-of  them 
shall  be  printed  and  spread  all  over  the  continent  and  islands. 
I  think  I  shall  hardly  stay  long,  for  no  law  ought  to  be  given — 
say  hunters  to  vermin. 

I  am  glad  that  L.  M.^  plays  the  man ;  I  would  have  him 
cherished,  though  the  surrender  was  knavishly  contrived  to 
betray  the  people,  as  I  told  them  here,  and  though  I  promised 
the  Friends  concerned,  if  they  would  yield  to  stop  the  surrender 
a  few  days,  I  would  have  got  them  a  better  bargain.  Dockwray, 
or  wry  rather,  to  recommend  himself,  perverted  them  to  it,  and 
what  was  then  promised,  I  fear  will  never  be  observed  to  the 
inhabitants. 

'Lewis  Morris.     This  relates  to  the  Jerseys.  — L. 

[The  surrender  of  the  government  of  the  Jerseys  to  the  crown,  on 
the  15th  April,  1702.  Queen  Anne  having  accepted  the  surrender,  "  the 
two  provinces  were  united"  and  placed,  together  with  New  York,  under 
one  governor,"  and  Lord  Cornbury,  cousin  to  the  Queen,  received 
this  appointment,  and  arrived  at  New  York  3d  May,  1703.  See  ^^  East 
Jersey  under  the  Proprietors,^''  by  William  Whitehead,  pp.  152,  155. 
Editor.] 


250  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

For  Col.  Hamilton's  allowance,  I  hope  the  people  will  con- 
sider it;  if  n>ot,  I  must  by  Gales  press  them,  as  also  for  his  suc- 
cessor, or  I  must  take  other  methods  which  will  be  a  dearer  pur- 
chase at  last  to  them,  I  believe. 

And  as  for  S.  C,  shall  I  repay  that  when  iJ"  1,000  was  sub- 
scribed, as  Griffith  Owen  knows,  but  that  for  Samuel's  taking  it 
into  his  own  hands,  to  have  the  advantage  of  circulating  it  by 
bread,  flour,  &c.,  to  Barbadoes,  and  so  to  London,  I  had  received 
one  third  then  at  least  in  money,  to  my  great  supply,  and  the 
rest  was  intended  to  have  been  paid  so  too.  I  want  to  know 
what  of  the  supply  given  by  the  Assembly,  and  what  of  the 
subscription  at  my  coming  away  is  received,  and  how  the  rents 
come  in  below.  Pray  send  it  per  first  opportunity.  I  am  sorry 
the  widow  Gibbs  is  gone;  I  shall  be  a  great  loser,  which  is  too 
much  my  portion  everywhere. 

Methinks  S.  Jennings  might  very  well  discharge  me  of  the 
purchase  money  in  Jersey,  for  the  injury  his  supine  careless- 
ness caused  to  me  in  Gibbs's  case ;  but  I  bought,  I  believe,  this 
land,  or  some  of  it,  of  an  old  king,  or  his  good  will  as  to  the 
place,  when  he  was  at  Pennsbury  with  me,  of  which  J.  Sotcher 
and  Hugh  and  the  blacks  know ;  and  I  left  a  memorandum  of 
it  among  my  papers,  for  which  look  well  my  escritoire.  I  have 
two  shares,  one  from  Daniel  Wait,  and  t'  other  from  William 
Nagle,  and  in  proportion  must  have  my  share  of  three  takings 
up,  as  I  remember:  I.  Bass  took  up  20,000  acres  for  me,  when 
governor;  pray  inquire  after  it.  As  for  your  Dr.  Coxe,  tell  him 
the  principals  are  here,  that  I  offered  to  'discourse  it  with  him 
before  he  went,  in  answer  to  his  letters,  but  he  never  came  near 
me.     Pray  abstracts  of  his  titles,  and  under  whom  he  claims. 

That  story  about  the  Industry,  said  to  have  its  rise  from  my 
father,  (Callowhill,)  or  his  house,  is  chimerical,  as  wife,  father, 
and  mother  told  me  when  t'  other  day  there  to  bring  up  my 
family  to  Worminghurst ;  but  if  thou  hadst  insured  by  another 
hand  with  Trent,  or  sent  in  a  ship,  or  by  one  from  the  river,  but 
specially  when  thou  knew  she  laid  so'long  by  the  walls  of  New 
York,  perhaps  it  might  have  done  better,  but  thou  hadst  not 
wanted  my  good  wishes  on  greater  masters,  nor  my  family's  and 
never  had  ill  ones  for  that. 


1,703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  2$  I 

But  thou  writest  nothing  of  what  they  do  at  Pennsbury  to 
deserve,  or  quit  the  charge  ;  pray  a  distinct  account  what  is 
cleared  and  what  is  raised.  I  hear  John  follows  his  trade  there, 
and  yet  hands  wanting,  but  I  suppose  it  is  only  at  unseasonable 
times,  as  rain,  &c.,  nor  have  I  one  word  about  my  two  servants 
bought  here,  a  sore  pinch  from  R.  Janney.  I  am  not  a  little 
sorry  for  the  misunderstanding  between  thee  and  T.  S.,  (Thomas 
Story,)  being  a  weakening  and  a  dishonor  to  the  profession,  and 
so  to  a  common  interest  in  which  you  are  so  much  engaged.  I 
shall  be  glad  it  ends  all  well,  but  poor  Thomas  has  never  sent 
me  a  scrawl  since  I  left  him. 

I  shall  inquire  about  the  Hopewell's  sale.  I  know  she  lay 
long  upon  it  before  S.  V.  sold  her.  If  80,  90,  or  icx)  pounds 
will  entitle  thee  to  3  or  ^400  worth  of  skins,  S.  V.  would  send 
^100  in  India  goods,  securing  ;{ri30  sterling  there,  but  more  of 
this  per  next  packet  boat,  for  this  one  should  have  gone  three 
or  four  weeks  ago,  and  did  attempt  it  in  vain  since  the  great 
storm,  that  has  besides  lives  7  or  8,000,  done  millions  of  damage 
to  the  kingdom,  the  like  not  remembered  by  any  man  living 
with  us,  and  a  poor  Friend  has  declared  that  if  this  place  repents 
not,  God  will  shake  the  foundations  as  well  as  blow  and  shatter 
the  tops  of  their  houses.* 

For  my  son  Aubrey's  affair,  I  have  writ  in  three  several  letters 
to  direct  in  it,  and  now  again  that  ^120  per  annum  must  be  paid 
him,  deducting  interest  in  proportion  to  what  is  paid,  as  the 
writing  not  long  since  sent  to  my  son,  I  believe,  will  declare. 

*  ["About  midnight,  on  the  26th  Novetn/>er,  1703,  began  the  most  ter- 
rible storm  that  had  been  known  in   England,  the  wind  W.  S.  W., 

attended  with  flashes  of  lighting It  blew  down  the  spires  of 

several  churches,  and  tore  whole  groves  of  trees  up  by  the  roots.  .  .  . 
Several  vessels,  boats,  and  barges  were  sunk  in  the  Thames ;  but  the 
royal  navy  sustained  the  greatest  damage,  being  just  returned  from  the 
Straits :  four  third-rates,  one  second-rate,  four  fourth-rates,  and  many 
others  of  less  force  were  cast  away  upon  the  coast  of  England,  and 
above  1,500  seaman  lost,  besides  those  that  were  cast  away  in  mer- 
chant ships.  Upon  this  calamity  the  Commons  addressed  her  Majesty, 
that  she  would  give  directions  for  rebuilding  and  repairing  the  royal 
navy  ;  and  that  she  would  make  some  provision  for  the  families  of  those 
seamen  that  perished  in  the  storm,  with  which  her  Majesty  complied." 
Salmon" s  Chronologic  Historian.  — Editor.  1 


252  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

It  is  my  lot  to  meet  with  traverses  and  disappointments,  but  as 
I  said,  just  now,  the  end  has  usually  crowned  all.  Thou  must 
sell  as  fast  as  thou  canst,  or  his  trustees,  that  I  may  be  as  expe- 
ditiously discharged  of  the  load  as  may  be  pray  ;  but  know  that 
all  above  2,000  sterling  returns  to  me,  so  that  if  thou  canst  save 
me  some  handsome  tract  on  the  5,000  acres  with  an  island  be- 
fore it,  be  it  but  1,500  acres,  nay  1,000  itself,  well  situated.  D. 
P.  knows,  and  so  T.  F.  also,  all  the  parts  of  it,  but  I  fear  fresh 
and  new  surveyors  will  be  requisite,  the  old  ones  being  bred  in 
such  unfair  latitudes. 

For  the  company,^  they  seem  to  acquiesce  in  relinquishing 
their  pretensions  to  the  manor  lands,  unless  it  be  the  lands  of 
Gilberts/  where  they  insist  upon  2  or  3,000  acres,  because  of  iron 
mine,  and  prospect  of  a  work,  but  by  the  next  opportunity  hope 
to  send  thee  their  orders  for  it.  Mind  the  contents  of  my  last 
letters  in  my  family  affairs,  by  Joshua,  that  excellent  servant. 

Now  know,  and  tell  my  poor  boy,  that  all  his  were  well  the 
last  post,  and  so  are  the  rest  of  mine,  for  his  are  so  ;  my  wife, 
Johnny,  (who  is  still  going  to  Philadelphia  in  Pennsylvania,) 
Tommy,  and  Hannah,  were  also  pretty  well  last  post;  I  know 
their  love  is  to  all,  and  most  dearly  my  daughter's  and  wife's, 
and  Tishe's  very  dearly  to  my  son  ;  they  dearly  remember  and 
talk  of  him  :  per  next  packet  boat  to  Barbadoes,  a  month  hence, 
he  will  hear  from  his  wife:  can  only  add  my  dear  love  to  him; 
my  salutes  to  the  governor  and  all  my  friends,  the  council,  com- 
missioners of  property,  and  magistrates,  and,  which  is  not  want- 
ing, to  thvself.     From  thy  assured  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  5//;  Derember,  1703. 
Honored  Governor:  —  Two  posts  ago,  I  received  thine  of 
the  6th  4th-mo.  ult,  via  Boston,  by  which  I  perceive  none  of 

'  [Free  Society  of  Traders.  — Editor.] 

*  A  large  manor  so  called  :  part  of  it  is  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Schuylkill,  but  the  larger  portion  is  on  this  side  the  river;  the  Per- 
quiomlng  Creek  runs  through  it,  and  a  valuable  lead  mine  is  now  in 
operation.  —  L. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  253 

mine  since  that  of  the  loth-mo.  last,  per  ye  Messenger,  was 
then  come  to  hand;  but  seeing  it  is  owing  to  the  misfortune  of 
the  conveyance,  and  no  remissness  of  mine,  I  doubt  not  I  shall 
be  acquitted.  By  the  Cornbury  from  York,  Capt.  Symmonds 
commander,  I  was  very  large  in  one  of  several  sheets  accom- 
panying a  packet  directed  to  the  secretary's  office,  dated  3d 
ist-mo.  last.  In  that  I  sent  a  full  answer  to  Col.  Quary's  arti- 
cles, with  all  the  minutes  of  council  at  larg-e  relatins:  to  our 
assembly,  and  many  other  papers  and  minutes  of  the  govern- 
ment, considerably  exceeding,  in  bulk,  the  first  mentioned  per 
Guy,  viz.,  of  lobr.,  which  I  now  wish  had  never  gone,  the  vessel, 
as  we  hear,  being  carried  into  France.  By  the  same,  also,  stay- 
ing at  York  much  longer  than  expected,  I  wrote  again  20th 
2d-mo. ;  and  again  26th  do.,  of  which  also  sent  copies  via  Boston  ; 
and  again  29th  from  Amboy,  informing  of  Gov.  Hamilton's 
death,  with  bills  for  ;^iOO.  18  sterling;  again  6th  3d-mo.,  by  way 
of  Barbadoes  and  Jamaica ;  again  by  way  of  York  and  Boston 
13th  of  the  same  month,  [here  follows  a  recapitulation  of  the 
several  dates  and  conveyances,]  all  of  which  in  the  single  copies, 
besides  the  many  duplicates,  make  above  fifty  pages  closely 
writ  in  my  book  of  copies  ;  and  many  of  them,  I  hope,  by  this 
time  are  arrived.  Since  the  last  of  these,  this  place  affords 
very  little  new  more  than  that  of  the  15th  of  8br.  The  repre- 
sentatives chosen  by  the  province  for  assembly,  for  each  county 
eight,  together  with  two  for  the  corporation,  according  to  charter, 
met  and  chose  David  Lloyd  speaker,  who  appeared  in  general 
to  the  people:  and  the  members  chosen  very  well  befitted  for 
the  public  good,  whatever  he  might  cover  underneath,  and  earn- 
estly pressed  to  proceed  to  business  with  the  council ;  but  the 
latter  wholly  refused,  which  I  believe  they  would  scarcely  have 
done  had  the  report  been  then  as  current  as  now  of  the  sur- 
render of  the  government. 

This  account  is  confidently  given  by  one  Usher,  governor,  I 
think,  of  New  Hampshire,  lately  come  over,  who  affirms  that 
the  Queen  has  agreed  to  pay  ;!^i 5,000  due  to  thy  father  in  con- 
sideration of  her  reassuming  it,  but  mentions  nothing  of  any 
terms  obtained  for  the  people,  which  I  wish  had  accompanied 


254  PENN   AND   I-OGAN  [1703. 

the  Other,  for  their  general  satisfaction  ;  for  money,  without  any- 
other  conchtions,  would  give  too  great  occasion  for  discourse 
to  the  ill-affected.  But  by  what  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  hint 
in  thy  last  mentioned  of  4th  ult.,  I  take  upon  me  to  assure 
them  that  they  may  be  secure  in  that  point.  'T  is  an  unhappi- 
ness  we  are  no  better  aware  of  it,  if  true  ;  for  the  want  of  an 
approbation  to  Gov.  Hamilton  while  living,  and  the  expectation 
of  thy  success  in  those  affairs  from  thy  letters  and  from  Judge 
Mompesson,  with  the  certain  posture  of  our  affairs  since  his 
said  decease,  has  occasioned  thy  dues  from  the  government  to 
be  much  in  arrears.  ,  For  property  concerns,  I  can  be  answer- 
able ;  but  for  the  others,  it  has  not  been  in  my  power. 

From  thy  frequent  pressing  instances  in  thy  letters  for  returns, 
I  have  strained  to  my  utmost  this  year,  and  have  sent  and  shipt 
off,  according  to  the  inclosed  schedule :  why  I  could  not  send 
more  bills  and  furs,  I  have  before  given  the  reason  at  large.  I 
wish  those  I  have  sent  may  be  to  satisfaction.  About  bear-skins 
I  was  not  fairly  dealt  with  by  E.  Farmer.  Some  of  the  bills 
indorsed  by  J.  Regnier  will,  I  doubt,  meet  the  same  fate  with  at 
least  one  half,  as  'tis  thought,  of  those  sent  this  year  from 
Maryland,  there  being  this  last  summer  sent  back,  protested,  to 
that  province,  according  to  an  account  taken  of  them,  to  the 
value,  as  is  affirmed,  of  ;^30,000,  which  will  be  6,000  dead  loss 
to  the  country,  upon  the  allowance  of  20  per  cent.,  given  in 
such  cases  by  their  law  as  well  as  ours.  The  ten  hogsheads  of 
tobacco,  and  eight  and  a  half  ton  of  logwood,  will,  I  fear,  come  to 
a  bad  market;  but  having  purchased  it  long  before  thy  advices 
came,  was  obliged  to  ship  it.  Tobacco,  however,  will,  this  year, 
yield  a  great  price,  by  being,  as  't  is  computed,  they  say  mod- 
erately, one  half  of  all  made  in  Virginia  and  Maryland  lost  by 
the  most  violent  storm  ever  known  in  those  parts  in  the  mem- 
ory of  man,  on  the  6th  or  7th  of  8br.  last ;  nor  was  it  less  severe 
upon  York,  and  our  two  lower  counties,  where  near  one-half  of 
the  timber-trees,  many  say  a  much  greater  proportion,  being 
destroyed  by  it,  and  the  roads  so  blocked  up  that  three  years 
will  not  be  sufficient,  as  the  most  credible  persons  of  those  parts 
affirm,  to  clear  them.  When  I  shipped  on  the  three  last  galleys 
gone  for  Barbadoes,  we   had  accounts  of  a  good  market,  but 


1703]  CORRESPONDENCE.  255 

since  hear  that  bread  and  flour  are  much  fallen.  Beer  is  toler- 
able, and  tobacco,  of  which  I  sent  nineteen  hogsheads  by  them, 
was  lately  very  high  there.  But  I  wish  the  Jolly  Galley,  on 
which  Randal  Janney  came,  may  be  safe,  having  left  the  capes 
but  the  day  before  the  storm. 

Of  the  Robert  and  Benjamin  brigantine,  I.  Guy  master,  I 
purchased  one  third  jointly  with  William  Trent  and  Isaac  Nor- 
ris,  in  order  to  make  returns  of  rice  from  Carolina,  this  river 
now  affording  nothing  that  encourages,  there  being  little  to- 
bacco, and  what  there  is  will  not  do.  Bills,  doubted  and  scarce; 
for  now  in  Maryland,  the  place  of  our  supply,  they  will  not 
draw  ;  and  money  scarce,  and  the  West  Indies  very  uncertain, 
and  at  present  low.  Our  design,  as  laid,  was  to  send  a  loading 
of  our  goods,  upon  information  of  a  tolerable  market,  which 
we  have  done  in  twenty  ton  of  beer,  about  twelve  ton  of  flour, 
and  four  ton  of  bread,  with  apples,  cheese,  &c.,  to  the  value 
of  £686  sterling  in  the  whole,  besides  the  vessel  fitted  out  at 
£s^0.  I.  Clapp  has  gone  factor,  and  with  this  is  to  purchase 
rice  ;  but  in  the  mean  time  the  vessel  returns  hither  with  a  load 
of  salt,  which  it  is  to  be  hoped  will  clear  one  half  of  her,  and 
forthwith  to  return  with  more  goods,  to  complete  her  loading 
of  rice  to  England,  which  may  be  about  i^i,00O,  to  join  the  Vir- 
ginia fleet  next  spring,  and  then,  if  she  will  but  sell  at  a  price  that 
will  pay  her  wages,  we  expect  no  more,  if  the  rice  will  yield 
but  24s.  per  cwt.  This  is  as  well  laid  as  any  voyage  can  be, 
but  success  is  all.  It  may  many  ways  miscarry,  for  trade  is  a 
lottery.  But  I  think  I  cannot  be  better  justified  than  by  acting 
in  concert  with  the  most  industrious,  thriving,  and  intelligent 
traders  here,  whatever  the  event  may  prove.  I  honestly  do 
my  endeavors ;  the  rest  must  be  left  to  the  great  Disposer  of 
all  things. 

Had  I  known  thy  bargain,  should  have  been  more  sparing, 
for  now  hope  the  necessity  in  a  great  measure  over  in  strain- 
ing, and  shall  be  so  for  the  future.  The  only  way  to  gain  here 
is  by  importation.  The  revenue  of  this  province  will  do  best 
to  be  spent  here,  allowing  always  some  to  ship  off  to  import 
by  it  other  necessaries.  Returns  from  hence  can  seldom  make 
profit. 


256  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

I  impatiently  expect  thy  son's  arrival,  and  should  be  extreme 
glad  could  we  firmly  depend  on  seeing  thyself  and  whole  family. 
This  is  a  place  of  ease,  thoi/gh  not  to  mc,  compared  to  that  buz- 
zing theatre.  Thou  may  live  truly  happy  as  proprietor  here. 
For  the  future,  I  design  wholly  to  apply  myself  to  the  settling 
of  thy  affairs,  for  thy  ease,  and,  until  fresh  orders  come,  except- 
ing the  account  of  the  surrender  prove  false,  shall  trouble  my- 
self about  returns  but  little  more.  I  hope  to  be  able  to  perfect 
complete  rent-rolls,  which  hitherto  I  could  not,  because  of  re- 
surveys.  But  now  in  thy  absence,  and  since  Gov.  Hamilton's 
decease,  I  much  want  support ;  for  because  I  cannot  be  of  every 
one's  speed,  there  are  those  I  would  fain  have  expected  better 
things  from,  that  give  it  not  all  the  countenance  they  might. 
In  thy  next  to  the  commissioners,  I  request  thee  to  give  some 
small  injunctions  for  the  more  easy  furtherance  of  thy  affairs, 
the  burthen  as  well  as  the  frowns  of  which  are  here  too  well 
known  to  lay  some  weight  on  me.  I  hope  an  easy  access  to 
the  rolls  office  for  thy  service,  and  all  the  patent  books,  will 
always  be  accounted  thy  receiver-general's  due.  I  never  yet 
would  clash  with  any  man,  if  I  could  avoid  it,  and  hope  I 
shall  keep  clear  in  those  cases.  Pray  be  very  plain  and  full  to 
me,  remembering  my  engagements  have  been,  and  are,  wholly 
in  thy  affairs.  This  place  is  healthy,  and  Friends  generally 
well.  Honest  Samuel  Carpenter  finely  recovered,  and  has 
almost  finished  his  works  at  Bucks.  His  daughter  dangerously 
ill  of  her  late  delivery  of  a  second  son.  The  first  is  dead.  She 
was,  two  nights  ago,  despaired  of,  and  her  friends  called  to  see 
her  departing,  but  since  then  are  some  small  better  hopes.  He 
(S.  C),  dear  Griffith  Owen,  and  Edward  Shippen  also,  give  their 
kindest  salutations  ;  so  my  landlord,  Isaac  Norris,  and  all  the 
family,  viz.,  Richard  Hills,  &c.  Thomas  Masters  has  built  an- 
other stately  house,^  the  most  substantial  fabric  in  the  town,  on 


'The  improvements  in  Philadelphia  this  year  ('1703)  are  thus  men- 
tioned by  I.  Norris,  in  a  letter  of  this  date  :  —  "  Things  among  Friends, 
in  the  main,  well  here.  The  Bank  meeting-house  will  be  finished 
against  the  meeting.  Here  are  more  good  houses  built  this  summer 
than  ever  I  knew  in  one  since  I  came  into  this  country.  T.  Masters 
has  built  a  stately  one,  five  stories  from  the  lower  (Water")  street,  and 
three  above  the  upper,,  at  the  corner  of  High  Street,  (S.  E.  corner  of 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  257 

Laetitia's  bank,  which,  for  the  improvement  of  the  place,  was 
sold  him  for  ^^"190,  including  the  reversion,  about  eighteen 
months  ago,  and  is  thought  could  not  be  better  disposed  of;  for 
if  her  husband  should  ever  desire  it  again,  if  Thomas  keep  his 
humor,  he  (William  Aubrey)  may  have  it  again,  in  all  proba- 
bility, for  less  than  it  cost  him  by  all  his  labor  and  most  of  the 
ground.  Samuel  Carpenter  has  sold  the  house  thou  lived  in  to 
Wm.  Trent,^  for  ^850,  and  the  coffee-house  to  Capt.  Finney,  for 
^^"450,  towards  paying  his  debts,  and  so  designs  to  continue  to 
the  last  foot  he  has  in  the  province,  if  nothing  less  will  do.  By 
these  two  he  affirms  he  has  lost  above  ^300.  I  add  nothing 
here  which  I  have  mentioned  in  my  former  letters,  not  doubt- 
ing but  they,  with  the  Virginia  fleet,  may  arrive.  Our  trade  to 
the  West  Indies  is,  in  general,  pro.sperous  this  year. 

I  am,  with  true  respect,  &c.,  J.  L. 

Sent  inclosed  to  Danl.  Zachary,  to  be  sent  by  the  ship  Centu- 
rion in  Boston. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

1th  lobr.,  1703. 
I  had  his  (William's)  letter  with  joy,  and  his  wife  hers  so 
too.  They  that  press  so  hard  about  George  Fox's  lot  have 
either  forgot  or  do  not  know  it  was  a  bounty,  not  a  pur- 
chase. I  gave  the  price  of  the  writings  as  well  as  the  land,  and 
therefore  they  should  be  modest  in  pressing  it,  and  take  it  where 
it  can  be  conveniently  given;  and  I  do  earnestly  desire  thee  at 
no  time  to  suffer  thyself  to  be  prevailed  upon  to  unreasonable 
grants,  for  I  am  in  no  condition  to  lavish  what  I  have,  since 
what  comes  from  thence  does  not  feed  my  horses  nor  pay  my 
servants'  wages.  I  am  not  a  little  sorry  nor  sensible  that  things 
should  run  so  low  amongst  you  at  a  time  when  there  is  so  much 
need  of  help. 

High  and  Front  Streets.)  A.  Bickley  has  built  another  three-story  at 
the  corner  next  to  W.  Hudson's."  Hudson's  corner  was  the  S.  E. 
corner  of  Chestnut  and  Third  Streets. — L. 

'  [The  slate-roof  house  at  southeast  corner  of  Second  and  Norris's 
Alley,  (now  Gatzmer  Street,)  taken  down  in  1868,  the  site  now  forming 
a  part  of  that  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  — Editor.] 

VOL.  I .  —  I S 


258  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703. 

Look  but  into  the  first,  if  not  only,  map  of  Philadelphia,  and 
there  thou  wilt  find,  N.  N.,  where  our  meeting-house  stands,  and 
Thomas  Lloyd  had  a  lot,  and  how  it  was  disposed  of,  being  my 
sons'  and  daughters'  High  Street  lots,  reserved  by  me  for  their 
shares,  every  front  lot  having  an  High  Street  lot  belonging  to 
it,  and  I  wish  W.  Aubrey  prove  easy  therein  ;  but  no  more  of 
this.  I  therefore  sent  you  Rakestraw's  letters,  that  you  might 
make  an  end  with  him  one  way  or  other;  but  if  he  has  been 
otherwise  satisfied,  methinks  he  should  also  submit  to  some 
alk)wance.  If  George  Dakein  be  a  Derbyshire  man,  I  know 
him,  and  concur  in  opinion,  and  will  endeavor  his  relations  may 
know  it. 

The  island  is  what  should  be  insisted  on,  but  let  it  be  in  the 
most  friendly  manner. 

My  son's  going  did  not  cost  me  so  little  as  ;{^200,  and  the 
land  he  left  destitute  of  stock  at  Worminghurst,  with  the  taxes 
becoming  due  at  his  going  off,  with  carpenter's  [bills],  &c., 
makes  200  more,  and  thou  mayst  imagine  how  hard  it  is  for  me 
to  get  it,  Ireland  so  miserably  drained  and  reduced  as  it  is,  an 
account  of  which  I  had  to-night,  at  my  lodgings,  from  Sir  Fran- 
cis Brewster's  own  mouth. 

I  this  day  waited  on  a  great  minister  of  state,  to  make  the 
council's  complaint,  whose  answer  was,  that  putting  upon  you 
latitudes  here,  which  you  could  not  easily  comply  with  there, 
and  so  make  you  uneasy,  is  what  ought  not  to  be  suffered,  and 
he  resents  it  so  closely  that  he  will  speak  to  the  Lords  of  Trade 
about  it.  "  Take  care,"  says  he,  "  you  injure  not  the  revenue, 
and  other  matters  ought  to  be  left  to  your  own  satisfaction,"  or 
to  that  effect.  And  I  say  again,  as  before,  keep  to  the  powers 
of  your  patent,  and  the  constitution  of  your  government  till 
altered  by  express  acts  of  Parliament  here,  which  is  not  like  to 
be  this  year.  I  am  ordering  beef  from  Ireland,  instead  of 
money,  to  the  West  Indies,  taking  my  hazard,  since  it  is  so  low, 
3  and  6  and  4s.  per  100;  nay,  I  believe  it  would  be  a  commodity 
at  Pennsylvania,  but  you  have  nothing  to  return.  We  arc  now 
considering  what  methods  to  take  for  better  returns;  if  they  fail, 
you  must,  of  necessity,  learn  to  sell,  if  possible. 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  259 

Perhaps  by  this  very  opportunity  you  may  have  a  commis- 
sion under  my  hand  and  seal,  with  R.  Mompesson  president, 
and  I  wish  to  have  my  cousin  Parmiter  attorney-general,  for 
all  their  clamors  against  him;  else  Renier,  if  he  will  accept 
of  it,  and  the  other  not.  If  I  should  send  never  a  commis- 
sion, upon  the  opinion  of  lawyers,  my  deputy  is  enabled  fo 
make  one,  that  only  will  be  the  reason.  It  is  late,  and  the 
packet  boat  waits  the  first  breath  of  wind  at  Falmouth.  The 
original,  this  being  duplicate,  is  gone  for  Barbadoes ;  this  to 
Antigua  by  the  same.  We  are  upon  packet  boats  for  the 
continent  also.^  Let  my  dear  child  have  my  endeared  loVe. 
The  Lord  direct  his  ways  for  his  honor,  his  father's  comfort, 
and  his  own  peace.  I  like  thy  frame  in  parts  of  the  letters. 
May  thou  have  the  religious  authority  and  persuasiveness  with 
him  to  balance  against  passion,  levity,  and  so  great  openness. 
He  has  excelling  qualities  with  his  lessening  infirmities  ;  so 
with  my  love  at  large,  and  I  end. 

Thy  real  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

All  at  Worminghurst  pretty  well  the  4th  instant.  They  were 
choice  beavers,^  and  I  paid  for  beavers,  and  they  must  have  been 
unworthily  changed  by  some  or  other;  we  have  none  better 
now  going. 

The  opinion  of  all  lawyers  is  that  [illegible]  of  those  statutes 
only  reach  you  that  mention  you,  and  therefore  you  are  not 
obliged  to  take  either  affirmation  or  abjuration,  &c. 


William  Penn  to  Colonel,  Evans  and  the  Council. 

London,  13//;  \oth-mo.,  1703. 
Well-beloved  Friends:  —  I  am  with  reason  earnestly  soli- 
cited by  the  adventurers  of  the  old  Pennsylvania  company  to 
press  you  to  call  before  you  those  members  of  it  in  that  prov- 
ince with  whom  the  power  of  that  society  now  resteth,  to  urge 
them  that  with  all  possible  speed  they  would  transmit  an  account 

^  That  is,  establishing  of  them. — L. 

*  Hats  mentioned  in  a  former  letter. — L. 


260  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703. 

to  those  concerned  here,  or  to  me  to  comnuinicatc  to  them,  of 
the  estate  of  the  company  there,  as  well  after  what  manner  they 
have  disposed  any  goods,  and  for  what,  as  what  yet  remains 
that's  personal  or  real  in  goods  or  land;  also,  that  as  near  as 
you  can,  send  over  an  estimate  of  the  value  of  the  lands  as  well 
as  the  quantity,  and  discourage  any  sale  thereof  upon  other  terms 
than  those  of  an  equal  dividend  to  those  interested  as  well  here 
as  there  in  proportion  to  their  adventures.  In  short,  it  is  a  cry- 
ing case  here,  and  but  that  I  and  mine  are  so  deeply  involved 
and  have  the  merit  of  having  lightened  the  great  load  of  so 
many  chargeable  and  useless  officers  and  servants,  or  else  all 
had  been  gone  in  two  year's  time,  to  justify  my  inclinations  and 
endeavors  to  preserve  it,  I  could  never  have  bore  up  against  the 
complaints  and  importunities  of  those  here  so  much  concerned 
therein.  Therefore  for  the  honor  of  the  province  let  us  have  as 
speedy  and  just  an  account  of  this  whole  matter,  together  with 
your  advice,  upon  conferring  with  those  few  there  chiefly  inter- 
ested, as  time  will  allow:  in  which  you  will  oblige  many  consid- 
erable and  substantial  persons  here,  as  well  as  the  suffering  and 
needy,  and  acquit  yourselves  acceptably  to 

Your  loving  and  true  friend,         Wm.  Penn. 

Stand  upon  your  patent  powers  and  your  constitution  and 
laws  in  pursuance  thereof  strictly,  and  play  not,  for  fear  of  your 
enemies  and  the  courtiers,  about  your  privileges,  as  I  perceive  by 
some  late  letters.  Wm.  Penn. 

Addressed :  "  For  my  trusty  and  well-beloved  friends  Col. 
Evans,  Deputy  Governor,  and  the  Council  of  Pennsylvania  at 
Philadelphia."^ 

^  [A  copy  of  this  paper,  varying  somewhat,  was  read  in  the  provincial 
council  on  the  4th  3d-mo.,  1704,  but  the  "  remarkable  postscript,"  as 
Mrs.  Logan  properly  styles  it,  is  not  found  upon  the  minutes.  Per- 
haps some  of  the  members  felt  too  deeply  the  keenness  of  its  reproof. 

This  order  was  made  : 

"  Ordered  thereupon,  that  Benj.  Chambers,  Ffra.  Rawle,  and  Jos. 
Pigeon,  y*  persons  now  principally  concerned  here,  be  summoned 
forthwith,  to  bring  in  their  acco"  of  the  s*"  society,  to  be  inspected 
and  considered  by  persons  to  be  appointed  by  this  board  for  that." 

Frequent  orders  consequent  upon  the  application  appear  upon  the 
minutes,  and  the  following  seems  to  be  the  final  disposition  of  it: 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  261 

[The  indorsement  on  the  following  letter  is  quite  obliterated, 
it  not  appearing  to  whom  it  was  addressed,  but  it  is  probably  an 
answer  to  the  foregoing  one.^  —  L.] 

London,  31X/  loth-mo.,  1703. 

KsTEEMED  Friends  :  —  I  heartily  salute  you,  wishing  you  and 
yours  true  happiness.  I  perceive  by  divers  letters  as  well  as 
that  I  received  from  most  of  you,  the  restless  endeavors  of  a  few 
malcontents  to  throw  the  government  into  confusion,  that  they 
may  have  the  better  excuse  and  pretence  for  changing  the  gov- 
ernment, and  shifting  it  from  the  hands  in  which  now  it  is  : 

xStly,  as  for  instance,  that  you  are  careless  about  the  laws  of 
trade  and  navigation,  because  you  are  not  cruel  and  extortion- 
ate, where  facts  relating  thereunto  have  happened  through  igno- 
rance or  undesigned  omission,  as  in  the  case  of  poor  Lumbey, 
Kirle,  and  Righton,  to  say  nothing  of  the  barbarous  treatment 
of  George  Claypole  and  Thomas  Masters,  for  which  Quary  and 
Moore  deserve  the  aversion  and  scorn  of  all  honest  men,  and  I 
doubt  not  but  they  will  find  it  in  due  time. 

"Benjamin  Chambers,  in  company  with  Francis  Rawle,  appearing 
in  pursuance. of  y«  order  of  last  sitting,  was  examined  concerning 
y«  affairs  of  y®  society,  and  he  was  ordered  to  give  an  ace'  of  y« 
whole  transactions  to  Edward  Shippen,  to  be  by  him  transmitted  to 
England." 

The  "Free  Society  of  Traders,"  or,  as  it  was  sometimes  called,  the 
"  Pennsylvania  Company,"  was  a  very  singular  incorporation:  very 
little  is  known  of  its  history  ;  its  charter  from  Penn  of  March  25,  1682, 
conferred  the  most  liberal  and  extraordinary  powers  ever  given  in  Penn- 
sylvania to  a  corporation.  It  had  the  right  to  trade,  to  hold  20,000 
acres  in  a  body,  which  was  erected  into  a  manor  "  by  the  name  of  the 
Manor  of  Frank,"  to  hold  a  court  baron  within  the  said  manor,  also 
a  "  court  leet  and  view  of  frank-pledge,"  and  "  to  have  and  determine 
all  pleas  and  controversies,  as  well  civil  as  criminal,  within  the  said 
manor,  wherein  no  other  justices  or  other  officers  of  the  said  prov- 
ince shall  intermeddle."  It  was  dSiimpcrium  in  imperio.  The  charter  is 
for  the  first  time  printed  by  Mr.  Hazard  in  his  "Annals,"  page  542, 
from  a  copy  recorded  in  the  county  of  Bucks.  Where  the  "Manor  of 
Frank"  was  situated  we  have  never  ascertained.  It  is  likely  the  powers 
given  were  never  fully  carried  out.  Those  who  feel  a  curiosity  as  to 
the  history  of  the  society  may  consult  Hazard' s  Annals-;  i  Hazard's 
Register,  394;  2  Col.  Reco?-ds,  it,6,  153, 160, 163 ;  3  ditto,  138.— Editor.] 

'  [The  letter  to  which  Mrs.  Logan  supposes  this  to  be  an  answer  is 
that  found  on  page  214,  addressed  by  Edward  Shippen  and  others  to 
the  proprietary. — Editor.] 


262  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l/OS- 

2dly.  The  next  instance  is  their  outcry  for  want  of  a  militia 
to  defend  them  in  time  of  danger,  and  then  strenuously  endea- 
vor to  defeat  the  means  of  obtaining  and  settling  it. 

3dly.  After  all  their  aggravations  about  trying  for  life  without 
an  oath,  they  have  discouraged  the  methods  taken  by  my  Lieut. 
Governor  Hamilton,  to  the  obstruction  of  justice,  which  might 
accommodate  that  matter,  than  which  hardly  anything  can  ap- 
pear more  disingenuous. 

4thly.  I  was  astonished  at  the  account  of  the  address  deliv- 
ered by  Quary,  in  the  name  of  the  vestry  in  Philadelphia  to 
Lord  Cornbury,  at  his  last  being  there,  and  I  admire,  almost  as 
much,  your  extreme  patience,  under  so  impudent  an  affront  and 
injustice.  I  suppose  it  was  out  of  respect  to  that  noble  lord  ; 
otherwise,  I  think,  had  I  been  there  I  should  have  made  those 
gentlemen  sensible  of  the  smart  of  that  power  they  have  so 
often  abused  in  your  hands,  and  for  that  reason  now  would 
have  wrested  out  of  them.  But  his  answer,  I  confess,  as  it 
comes  from  thence,  shows  his  prudence  and  their  folly,  and 
with  the  addition  of  what  his  father,  the  Earl  of  Clarendon,  told 
me,  t'  other  day,  upon  my  mentioning  to  him  the  unaccountable- 
ness  of  that  passage  in  their  address,  as  well  as  his  great  justice, 
for,  says  he,  I  will  never  solicit  the  Queen,  or  anybody  else,  for 
that  which  is  the  property  of  another  man. 

5thly.  I  also  understand  that  these  open  defiances  to  the  gov- 
ernment they  have  got  their  bread  under,  have  excited  many  of 
my  renters,  in  the  lower  counties,  to  refuse  the  payment  of 
my  quit-rents ;  an  unhappincss,  poor  people,  to  themselves,  at 
long  run,  for  I  am  determined  to  show  them  they  are  in  the 
wrong,  and  forgive  them  when  they  have  submitted  to  their  old 
kind  and  abused  landlord ;  but  perhaps  their  leaders  may  have 
cause,  one  time  or  other,  to  wish  they  had  not  misled  them  from 
their  duty  and  common  justice. 

My  present  indisposition,  which  they  say  is  the  beginning  of 
the  gout,  makes  writing  uneasy  to  me,  or  else  you  had  had  all 
this  from  my  own  hand.  I  shall  conclude  when  I  have  said,  I 
expect  from  you  that  you  will  maintain  my  just  rights  and  privi- 
leges, both  in  government  and  property,  granted  to  me  by 
King  Charles  II.,  under  the  great  seal  of  England,  and  by  James, 


1703.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  263 

Duke  of  York,  his  royal  brother,  and  the  constitution,  laws, 
and  customs  unitedly  and  universally  fixed  and  established  in 
that  government  long  before  the  coming  of  those  troublers  of 
our  peace  amongst  us ;  for  you  cannot  think  that  I  shall  sup- 
port them  here,  if  you  submit  them  there  to  the  unjust  clamors 
and  insolent  practices  of  those  notorious  enemies  to  our  public 
peace.         I  am  your  very. loving  friend,  William  Penn. 


William  Penn  to   James  Logan. 

London,  31^-/  \oth-mo.,  1703. 
I  have  writ  to  thee  by  the  packet  boats  for  Barbadoes  and 
Antigua.  I  think  fit  to  add,  by  this  opportunity  of  a  New  York, 
or,  at  least.  New  England  ship,  that  the  defence  thou  sentst  me, 
with  an  abstract  of  the  requisite  parts  of  thy  letters,  and  William 
Clark's,  are  ready  to  be  laid  before  the  Lords  of  Trade  and  Planta- 
tions, together  with  the  council's  letter,  that  the  mischievous  and 
disingenuous  practices  of  our  enemies  may  be  set  in  a  clear  light 
before  them,  an  account  of  the  success  of  which  you  may  ex- 
pect, so  soon  as  opportunity  presents  ;  but  I  must  mourn  to 
think  you  play  so  much  the  courtiers  towards  your  enemies  in 
your  tenderest  privileges.  I  have,  therefore,  pressed  the  coun- 
cil (I  hope  I  need  not,  my  deputy  governor,  after  he  has  con- 
sidered the  instructions  I  have  given)  to  maintain  the  powers 
of  my  charter,  and  their  own  constitution,  laws,  and  customs  ; 
and  I  again  desire  they  will  not,  under  any  fear  or  apprehension 
whatever,  be  unjust  to  themselves  and  their  posterity,  as  well  as 
to  me  and  mine  ;  but  I  admire  of  the  great  omission  Wm. 
Clark's  letter  tells  me  of,  that,  by  I  know  not  what  fatality,  the 
lower  counties  were  left  out  of  the  commission,  though  my  present 
lieutenant  governor,  and  the  Queen's  approbation,  comprehend 
them.  I  more  than  hope  it  has  pleased  God  to  bring  both  him 
and  my  son  safe  among  you  :  make  the  best  use  you  can  of  them 
for  the  public  good,  in  which  only  I  seek  that  of  my  poor 
family.  Fear  not  my  bargain  with  the  Crown,  for  it  shall  never 
be  made  without  a  security  to  the  inhabitants,  according  to  the 
constitution   and   laws  of  the  country,  though   my  supplies   to 


264  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703-4. 

defend  them,  and  obtain  their  confirmation,  come  so  coldly  and 
slowly  to  my  support, 

I  have  thy  last  express,  and  was  comforted  with  it ;  and  toll 
J.  Guest  and  others  how  well  I  take  their  courage  and  service. 
That  will  speak  for  itself,  while  we  exceed  not  our  own  powers 
and  laws  ;  for  I  have  not  mentioned  the  presumption  and  disin- 
genuity  of  our  enemies  to  any  minister,  lord,  or  commoner,  as 
by  thyself  and  Wm.  C.  related,  that  have  not  expressed  their 
aversion  to  such  practices,  and  I  hope  shortly  to  send  you  a  let- 
ter from  the  government,  in  dislike  of  such  proceedings,  which 
I  mention  for  your  encouragement.  Salute  me  not  only  to  my 
declared  friends,  but  the  moderate  and  ingenuous,  what  names 
soever  they  bear. 

Time  suffers  me  not  to  enlarge,  the  ship  being  fallen  down  to 
Gravesend,  and  my  notice  of  this  conveniency  not  exceeding 
36  hours.  Inclosed  is  a  letter  to  my  son  from  myself,  and  in 
that,  one  from  his  affectionate  wife.  I  am  going  down  to  them, 
where  they  were  all  well  yesterday,  through  the  mercy  of  God. 

A  Scotch  plot,'  some  differences  between  the  houses  of  Par- 
liament, and  the  new  king  of  Spain's  being  here,  allow  me  a  few 
days  of  respite  at  Worminghurst  for  my  better  health  and  re- 
freshment. Continue  thy  diligence ;  I  have  made  no  ill  use  of 
it,  hitherto,  as  to  thy  credit.  Be  wise  and  bold  in  a  good  cause. 
I  commit  you  all  to  the  great  Preserver  of  men,  and  am 

Thy  loving  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 


Honorable  Sirs  :  —  I  foimerly  acquainted  your  honors  with 
the  answer  I  had  from  Mr.  Moore,  when  the  records,  papers,  and 

'  [A  plot  in  which  Simon  Fraser,  head  of  the  clan  of  Frasers,  and  who 
assumed  the  title  of  Lord  Lovat,  bore  a  prominent  part.  Having  been 
commissioned  by  the  Court  of  St.  Germain  to  treat  with  the  Highland 
chieftains  who  were  still  attached  to  the  Stuart  interest,  he  appears  to 
have  intrigued  with  the  Duke  of  Queensberry,  to  whom,  for  purposes 
of  his  own,  he  betrayed  the  secret  of  his  mission.  Upon  his  return 
to  France,  under  an  assumed  name,  by  a  pass  obtained  through 
Queensberry,  he  was  regarded  by  his  employers  as  a  spy,  and  thrown 
into  the  Bastille.  The  affair  was  thought  deserving  of  a  message  from 
the  Queen,  and  not  the  least  singular  part  of  the  transaction  was  the 
zeal  manifested  by  the  Peers  in  an  investigation  which  the  House  seem 
to  have  been  disposed  to  treat  with  contempt.  —  Editor.] 


1703-4-]  CORRESPONDENCE.  265 

the  seal  belonging  to  the  register-general's  office  were  by  your 
honors'  order  demanded  of  him,  which  amounted  to  a  positive 
denial.  I  shall  not  reflect  upon  the  contempt  of  the  govern- 
ment nor  his  slight  of  your  honors'  authority.  My  humble 
request  is,  that  your  honors  would  be  pleased  to  enable  me  as 
far  as  may  be  to  perform  my  duty  without  the  said  records, 
papers,  and  seal,  until  such  time  Mr.  Moore  may  be  compelled 
to  deliver  them.  In  order  thereunto,  I  humbly  crave  your 
honors'  permission  to  make  use  of  my  own  seal  as  sufficient  for 
the  register's  office,  there  being  nor  ever  was  any  law  or  order 
for  establishing  a  public  seal  to  that  office,  or  to  grant  me  an 
order  to  provide  one  that  may  be  so  established,  and  in  the 
mean  time  to  use  my  own  seal.  And  I  farther  request  that  your 
honors  will  grant  me  a  general  order  to  all  the  clerks  of  the 
counties,  that  upon  my  request  they  would  read  my  commission 
in  their  respective  county  courts,  and  record  the  same  in  their 
county  records.  I  humbly  beg  pardon  for  this  trouble,  and  re- 
main. Your  honors'  most  humble  servant, 

Wm.  Markham. 
Philadelphia,  ycz«.  8,  1703-4.' 


I.  NoRRis  TO  Samuel  Chew.^ 

\2th  \2th-7no.,  1703-4. 
....  The  governor  and  W.  Penn,  junior,  caught  us  napping; 
they  arrived  late  at  night,  unheard  to  all   the  town,  and   at  a 
time  when  we  were  big  with  the  expectation  of  a  Queen's  gov- 
ernor  


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  \^th  \zth-mo.,  1703-4. 
Honored  Governor: — Thy  son  by  this  same  opportunity 
informing  thee  of  his  arrival,  to  his  pen,  as  most  able  and  proper, 


'  [This  was  addressed  to  the  provincial  council,  and  is  mentioned  in 
their  minutes  of  12th  January,  1703-4.  Markham  was  accordingly  or- 
dered to  use  his  own  seal,  and  the  clerks  of  the  counties  were  re- 
quired to  publish  his  commission.     2  P.  M.,  113.  — Editor.] 

''■  [From  the  Norris  MSS.  —  Editor.] 


266  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703-4. 

I  leave  the  account  of  his  tedious  voyage.  Governor  Evans 
also  would  write,  but  because  he  cannot  so  fully,  nor  to  so  many 
as  he  thinks  himself  obliged  when  to  any,  he  craves  to  be  ex- 
cused to  thee  in  particular,  nor  indeed  will  time  allow  of  any  of 
us  to  be  large. 

By  thy  son,  who  arrived  with  the  governor,  the  2d  instant,  I 
received  thine  of  the  27th  6th-mo.,  and  shall  observe  the  con- 
tents, as  far  as  possible,  though  unable  now  to  answer  any  part 
of  it  more  than  this,  that  from  the  blame  I  lay  under,  from  my 
infrequency,  as  't  is  thought,  in  writing,  I  desire  the  perusal  of 
the  inclosed  may  acquit  me.  The  original  was  sent  by  the  man- 
of-war  Centurion  from  Boston,  and  recites  my  letters  with  the 
greatest  fidelity. 

'T  is  a  great  unhappiness  that  so  many  of  mine  had  the  fortune 
to  go  by  such  unprosperous  vessels.  Directing  to  York  to  one 
interested  in  the  Cornbury,  Captain  Symonds,  they  were  all  I 
find  put  on  board  her,  but  by  this  day's  post  am  informed  that 
the  captain  happily  threw  all  his  leters,  and  therefore  some  dan- 
gerous packets  of  mine,  overboard.  I  am  troubled  for  many 
papers  there,  and  especially  for  some  bills  of  exchange  for  £100 
sterling,  for  to  our  great  trouble  we  have,  by  the  same  post, 
some  advices  that  give  us  apprehensions  of  Ed.  Shippcn's,  Jr.,  in 
the  Experiment,  Captain  Watson  master,  by  whom  I  sent  the 
2d  of  the  same,  being  also  unfortunate ;  and  't  is  probable  Capt. 
Puckle  also,  both  in  the  Virginia  fleet.  If  true,  I  doubt  of  £1,600 
which  I  have  sent  off  by  several  ways  this  year,  nothing  will  as  yet 
have  come  to  hand,  for  that  to  Barbadoes  and  Carolina  I  know 
is  impossible.  I  hear  of  nothing  to  Barbadoes  yet  that  has 
miscarried. 

Thy  son's  voyage  hither  I  hope  will  prove  to  the  satisfaction 
of  all,  and  to  his  and  therefore  thy  happiness.  It  is  his  stock 
of  excellent  good  nature  that  in  a  great  measure  has  led  him  out 
into  his  youthful  sallies  when  too  easily  prevailed  on  ;  and  the 
same,  I  hope,  when  seasoned  with  the  influence  of  his  prevail- 
ingly better  judgment,  with  which  he  is  well  stored,  will  hap- 
pily conduct  him  into  the  channel  of  his  duty  to  God,  himself, 
and  thee. 

He  is  very  well  received,  and   seldom  fails  of  drawing  love 


1703-4]  CORRESPONDENCE.  267 

where  he  comes,  and  hope  it  will  be  increased ;  't  is  his  good 
fortune  here  to  be  withdrawn  from  those  temptations  that  have 
been  too  successful  over  his  natural  sweetness  and  yielding  tem- 
per with  his  associates. 

The  governor's  arrival  was  extremely  seasonable  to  thy  in- 
terest here,  for,  as  by  the  inclosed  copy  thou  wilt  find,  we  thought 
all  positively  gone.  The  report  was  owing  to  Col.  Usher,  who 
confidently  reported,  and  persists  in  it,  but  has  not  been  so  fair 
as  to  send  me  thy  letters  by  him,  which,  perhaps,  might  have 
contradicted  it,  nor  have  I  ever  received  thy  other  sent  to  the 
postmaster  of  York,  the  vessel  I  suppose  never  having  arrived, 
so  that  since  Judge  Mompesson  I  have  never  received  more 
than  one,  by  D.  Zachary.  I  shall  undertake  to  say  nothing,  as 
yet,  of  the  governor,  only  that  he  has  enlarged  the  council  by 
adding  Judge  Mompesson,  William  Trent,  Richard  Hill,  and 
nu'self,  and  for  the  territories,  Jasper  Yeates,  William  Rodney, 
and  intends  to  add  R.  French,  and  perhaps  I.  Coutts,  as  new  — 
whither  he  intends  to-morrow.  Thy  son  also,  whom  I  should 
have  first  mentioned,  takes  a  place  at  the  board  when  he  thinks 
fit,  next  to  the  governor.  The  only  difficulty  we  now  labor 
under  is  the  separation  of  the  province  and  territories  by  means 
of  that  unhappy  charter  of  privileges,  which  I  doubt  is  unavoid- 
able, though  all  endeavors  to  the  contrary  will  be  used.  I  in- 
formed thee  of  this  by  the  Messenger,  loth-br,  1702,  which  thou 
received,  and  therefore  admire,  as  the  governor  does  with  much 
trouble,  that  thou  hast  never  taken  notice  of  it.  I  much  fear 
the  consequences,  notwithstanding  all  endeavors  that  can  be 
used,  for  the  territories  will  not  own  the  charter,  nor  the  prov- 
ince quit  it,  or  I  believe  ever  more  hear  of  an  union,  if  to  be 
prevented.  I  sent  the  minutes  of  council  in  many  sheets  at 
large,  by  the  York  vessel,  having  first  by  my  said  letter  given 
thee  a  summary  of  the  whole. 

Pray  send  over  a  fresh  commission  to  the  council,  with  power 
to  succeed  the  governor  in  case  of  absence  or  mortality,  agree- 
able to  his  choice,  if  thou  thinks  fit,  which  was  made  by  the 
advice  of  others,  reciting  the  powers  as  in  the  governor's  com- 
mission, both  from  the  king  and  duke,  that  should  he  be  removed 
the  government  may  not  be  at  a  loss  as  heretofore.     I   sent  a 


268  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703-4. 

copy  of  the  present  commission  with  the  other  papers,  and 
either  in  that  or  in  the  governor's  there  ought  to  be  a  power 
continued  to  add  members,  or  suspend,  as  there  is  occasion:  'tis 
now  in  that  to  the  council;  but  in  the  governor's  there  is  one 
clause  that  will  much  disgust,  viz.,  saving  to  thyself  a  final  assent 
to  all  bills,  and  which  I  must  confess  I  think  is  too  much  in  any 
but  those  relating  to  thy  property,  and  will  be  a  check  against 
granting  public  supplies,  seeing  they  cannot  be  sure  that  any- 
thing besides  will  pass,  and  three  negatives  to  the  assembly 
will  be  thought  too  much.  It  might  be  advi.sable  also,  perhaps, 
to  oblige  the  governor  to  act  in  legislation  by  advice  and  consent 
of  the  council,  as  in  all  the  Queen's  governments,  which  would 
be  thy  greater  security.  But  what  must  the  territories  do  if  the 
province  proceed  to  act  without  them,  for  I  doubt  there  is  no 
foundation  there  for  an  assembly,  though  I  believe  it  will  be 
tried. 

The  present  governor  will  not  be  rash,  I  suppose,  but  a  good 
council  adds  to  the  dignity  of  government;  the  present  is  W. 
Pehn,  Jr.,  Roger  Mompesson,  Edward  Shippen,  Jo-hn  Guest, 
'William  Clark,  Samuel  Carpenter,  Thomas  Story,  Griffith  Owen, 
Samuel  Finney,  Caleb  Pusey,  John  Blunston,  J.  C,  William  Trent, 
Richard  Hill,  William  Rodney  J.  Yeatcs,  and  J.  Logan,  and 
Richard  French  and  James  Coutts  I  suppose  must  be  added  for 
the  territories.  Col.  Quary  malces  his  court  to  the  governor, 
and  this  day  entertained  nim  at  dinner  with  Judge  Mompesson, 
&c.,  at  his  house  He  now  declares  an  entire  satisfaction,  and 
would  be  inclinable,  I  suppose,  to  have  all  old  things  done  away. 
There  is  no  danger,  I  think,  of  the  governor's  being  wrought 
upon  by  any  of  them,  for  he  seems  very  true  to  thy  interests  in 
all  respects ;  yet  is  inclinable  to  make  as  fair  weather  as  he  can 
in  the  government,  which  doubtless  is  not  unadvisable,  but 
exceedingly  troubled  that  he  understood^  nothing  of  this  dif- 

^The  author  of  "An  Historical  Review  of  the  Constitution  and  Gov- 
ernment of  Pennsylvania"  says  that  Governor  Evans,  "having  con- 
vened the  representatives  of  the  province  and  territories  to  meet  him 
-at  the  same  time  in  the  council  chamber,  he  affected  to  be  surprised  at 
finding  them  in  separate  states,  &c."  This  letter  proves  that  his  sur- 
prise was  no  affectation.  —  L. 


1703-4]  CORRESPONDENCE.  269 

ference  between  the  upper  and   lower  counties    before    he  left 
England. 

The  address  to  the  Queen  shall  be  prepared  with  all  expedi- 
tion, as  desired,  but  whether  it  can  be  carried  to  answer  the  end 
I  know  not,  and  shall  observe  thy  other  directions,  though,  I 
cannot  here  mention  them  ;  only  must  again  tell  thee,  as  I  have 
before,  that  we  have  scarcely  been  able  to  do  anything  almost 
in  the  tax  of  ;i^2,ooo  since  thy  departure,  but  now  will  hope  we 
shall  be  able  to  better  purpose  to  press  it.  I  have  often  been 
large  on  this  head  before,  though  this  be  the  first  time  thou  hast 
mentioned  it  to  me  since.  The  subscriptions  by  Friends,  amount- 
ing to  about  ^300,  has  been  mostly  paid  in  flour  according  to 
the  tenor,  and  what  remains  will  now  be  got  in,  which,  had  not 
a  governor  come,  would  not  have  been,  but  it  is  the  worst  pay 
almost  in  the  country,  in  Bucks  especially.  The  tax  excepted, 
the  incredible  scarcity  of  money  makes  all  things  of  that  kind 
difficult;  what  is  now  demanded  in  relation  to  the  tax^  is  a  con- 
firmation of  the  laws,  and  another  unhappiness  is  that  none 
among  Friends  can  be  got  to  distrain,  and  others  are  generally 
too  much  disaffected  for  it.  I  admire  what  thou  means  by  de- 
siring the  promised  copy  of  the  laws,  having  sent  it  by  J.  Sotcher 
twent}-  months  ago,  and  doubtless  came  safe  to  hand  with  the 
rest.  As  to  lowering  of  our  money,  if  I  might  advise,  I  would 
by  all  means  persuade  thee  7iot  to  be  concerned  in  it,  for  thy 
profit  by  it,  considering  the  rents  are  sterling,  will  be  but  very 
little,  and  the  dissatisfaction  of  the  people  in  general  great. 
For  most  certainly,  unless  we  find  some  trade  again  with  the 
Spanish  Indies,  we  shall  shortly  have  none  left,  whether  raised 
or  lowered  or  not  touched  with ;  yet  if  lowered,  the  exportation 
of  it  will  be  wholly  imputed  to  this,  whatever  else  the  cause  may 
be,  and  those  conccrpicd  in  it  bear  the  blame;  besides  that,  un- 
less provision  be  made  for  debts  contracted  before,  it  will  be  the 
greatest  injustice,  and  some  men's,  especially  S.  Carpenter's  ruined, 
who  is  almost  irrecoverably  plunged  in  debt,  unless  times  here 

'  This  tax  I  take  to  be  the  one  levied,  upon  the  proprietor's  departure, 
to  defray  the  expenses  incident  to  a  proper  representation  of  the  col- 
ony's interest  at  the  seat  of  government  in  the  mother  country.  — L. 


2/0  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703-4. 

mend.  Pray  inform  further  what  thou  means  by  ordering  me 
to  pay  what  I  receive  into  S.  Carpenter's  hands ;  he  has  already 
i^200  of  Lctitia's  money  on  interest,  which  he  knows  not  how 
to  pay.  But  of  these  points  shall  be  more  full  by  a  better  op^ 
portunity;  in  the  mean  time  though,  through  the  unhappy  cir- 
cumstances of  affairs  of  trade  in  general,  thou  must  meet  with 
many  disappointments,  yet  thou  may  rest  assured  I  shall  leave 
nothing  undone  for  thy  interest  that,  considering  all  circum- 
stances, can  reasonably  be  expected. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

New  Castle,  18M  \2th-m0.,  1703-4. 
We  are  now  here,  conferring  with  those  of  the  lower  coun- 
ties. The  governor  is  handsomely  received,  and  the  people 
seem  not  dissatisfied.  He  has  published  his  commission  and 
the  Queen's  approbation  here  also,  for  their  greater  satisfaction. 
Upon  a  conference,  this  day,  'tis  agreed  that,  notwithstanding 
the  assembly  of  the  province  hath  thrown  them  off,  by  doubling 
their  own  number  of  representatives,  according  to  the  clause  of 
the  charter,  yet  upon  the  governor's  writs  they  will  meet  at 
Philadelphia,  four  for  each  county,  according  to  law;  and 
if,  by  conferences  with  those  of  the  province,  it  can  be  done, 
they  proceed  to  an  union  ;  if  not,  that  they  continue  separate, 
as  they  now  conceive  themselves  to  be,  and  which,  I  suppose, 
will  be  the  result  of  the  whole.  Thy  son  is  also  here,  and  car- 
ries it  well.  But  the  tide  hastening  the  vessel  away,  (for  Barba- 
does,)  I  must  at  this  time  break  off  and  close. 

Thy  most  dutiful  J.  LoGAN. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  \oth  \st-tno.,  1703-4. 
I  hope,  ere  now  my  son  and  lieutenant  governor  are  arrived. 
This    comes  by   Edward  Shippen  and   N.  Puckle,  to  whom   I 
refer  thee  as  to  generals  and  common  news,  and  the  prints  that 


1703-4]  CORRESPONDENCE.  2/1 

come  with  thera.  And  in  the  first  place  know,  that  I  have  re- 
ceived none  from  thee  since  I  writ  largely  to  thee,  by  way  of 
Barbadoes  and  Antigua,  and  since,  a  shorter  to  the  council,  and 
so  to  thee,  by  way  of  New  England,  duplicates  of  which  go 
now;  and  I  hope,  and  please  myself  to  think,  you  will  be  quick- 
ened to  show  yourselves  men  in  that  affair,  to  wit,  of  Quary's 
and  his  few  venomous  adherents'  proceedings  against  the  govern- 
ment ;  and  that  you  will  no  longer  endure  those  contempts  which 
I  take  to  be  a  betraying  of  the  rights  of  the  people,  as  well  as 
mine  and  my  posterities.  I  have  made  good  use  of  the  defence 
thou  sent  me,  the  council's  letter,  and  passages  out  of  thine 
much  to  the  purpose.  And  the  very  Lords  Commissioners^  are 
at  last  come  to  dislike  his  busy  and  turbulent  proceedings,  and 
I  hope  for  a  letter  next  week,  to  send  by  this  or  next  opportu- 
nity to  New  York  in  nineteen  or  twenty  days'  time,  from  that 
board,  to  reprimand  his  behavior,  having  convinced  them,  by  the 
instances  you  gave  me  of  his  disingenuous  practices,  as  well  as 
injurious,  as  also  that  I  have  shown  them  that  the  counties  he  has 
seduced  from  their  duty,  are  the  only  tobacco  folks,  and  that  the 
only  enumerated  commodity  in  our  country;  as  also  that  the 
people  of  the  territories  purged  by  their  address  to  the  late 
king,  anno  -^H,  the  colony  from  Col.  Quary's  imputations  upon 
us  about  trade,  and  who  also,  anno  1684,  did  by  their  address 
to  the  king  and  duke  (of  York)  highly  express  their  satisfaction 
in  me,  and  their  union  with  the  upper  counties,  (and  which  was 
indeed  their  seeking,)  returning  their  humble  thanks  to  both, 
for  sending  them  so  kind  a  landlord,  and  so  good  a  governor ; 
and  therefore  to  Quary's  foul  treatment,  and  the  protection  he 
brags  there  he  has  here,  I  owe  that  great  defection  those  poor 
people  have  been  led  into  of  late.  In  short,  I  am  more  likely 
to  keep  my  government  than  ever,  or  to  have  some  equivalent 
for  it ;  and  take  this  from  me :  T/ia^  if  yoit.  do  but  the  Queen 
justice  in  her  revenue,  and  discountenance  illegal  trade ^  and  allow 
the  administration  their  jurisdiction  so  far  as  agrees  with  the  attor- 


'  These  lords  had  set  their  faces  very  decidedly  against  proprietary 
governments,  as  will  be  seen  by  extracts  from  an  old  paper,  apparendy 
the  draught  of  bill  for  annexing  proprietary  governments  to  the  Crown.* 

*  [These  will  be  Touud  in  note   2,   Appendix.  —  Editor.] 


2/2  PENN    AND   LOGAN  [1703-4. 

ney-gencraVs  opinion  I  sent  yoii}  you  will  not  be  molested  hence, 
but  protected.  This  the  ministry  assures  me  here,  and  I  do 
require  it  of  the  lieutenant  governor,  the  council,  and  magistrates, 
that  the}'  maintain  to  the  utmost  the  powers  of  my  grant,  and 
the  authorit}'  of  the  laws;  and  if  Quary,  or  any  of  his  rude  and 
ungrateful  gang,  offer  to  invade  or  affront  them,  that  they  feel 
the  smart  of  them.  His  being  an  officer  in  the  revenue  shall 
not  exempt  him  from  correction,  or  support  him  in  his  seditious 
and  factious  practices  with  impunity.  I  have  perused  thy  letter 
to  Lord  Cornbury,  and  bating  thy  conformity  to  S.  J.'s  ilP  ex- 
ample, though  he  is  more  justifiable  being  under  his  govern- 
ment, I  like  it  well,  and  thy  zeal  as  well  as  arguments,  and  I  say 
"  Go  onr 

I  am  to  send  a  copy  of  Quary's,  and  his  packed  vestry's  ad- 
dress to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  which  Lord  Clarendon  gives  me 
from  his  son's,  if  not  that  his  son  sent  him,  for  they  are  ashamed 
at  hearing  of  so  impudent  a  thing.  I  could  almost  send  orders 
to  have  him  (Quary)  prosecuted  with  the  utmost  rigor,  and  if  I 
can  find  encouragement  from  the  learned  in  the  law  here  that 
it  may  be  done  to  purpose,  I  think  to  do  it  per  this  or  next 
opportunity,  which  keep  to  thyself,  till  thou  hearcst  more  of  it. 
My  duplicate  to  the  council  of  the  31st  loth-mo.,  that  is  inclosed 
with  thine,  is  not  directed  to  the  council,  through  haste,  being 
ready  to  take  horse  upon  a  journey:  do  thou  supply  it,  and 
write,  "  For  the  Council  of  Pennsylvania  and  Territories,"  and 
give  it  to  them  as  from  mc. 

For  William  Rakestraw's^  atfair,  if  I  can  find  time,  I  will  write 
to  him;  however,  positively  let  the  case  be  heard  fairly,  and  see 
where  and  how  it  comes  to  pinch:  1st,  if  it  was  done  by  my 
order;  2d,  if  not,  by  whose?  Let  you  make  him  satisfaction, 
for  that  I  must  ever  do  it  for  other  men's  injustice,  and  partiality 


'[The  italics  are  Penn's. —Editor.] 

*  This  was  using  the  style  of  "  my  lord  "  in  the  letter  wliich  the  sec- 
retary wrote  to  Lord  Cornbury  from  Samuel  Jennings's,  at  Burlington, 
upon  occasion  of  Quary  and  the  vestry's  presenting  their  address  to 
his  lordship.  — L. 

'  James  Logan  obtained  a  judgment  of  the  meeting  against  Rake- 
straw,  who  was  obliged  to  retract  his  scandalous  clamors  against  the 
pro]:rietor.  — L. 


1703-4-]  CORRESPONDENCE.  273 

is  hard.  I  leave  it  to  the  Board  of  Property  to  quiet  him  from 
further  noise  and  squabble.  But  one  thing  take  with  thee  that 
lot  my  cousin  Marlcham  has  almost  against  his  house.  I  will ' 
not  allow  him,  nor  anybody  else,  and  had  rather  pay  Rakestraw 
the  value  of  his  claim  as  worth  when  I  gave  it  him,  or  the  man's 
in  whose  right  or  place  he  came,  and  the  interest  of  it  to  this 
day:  though  Col.  Markham  and  he  once  agreed  to  it.  Look  unto 
it  and  keep  minutes  of  all  that  passes,  that  your  offers  and  car- 
riage to  him  may  justify  you,  if  he  comes  hither  to  clamor,  as  he 
threatens,  or  employs  a  relation  he  has  here.  Casper  Hoodi 
and  John  Warder  have  writ  to  me  about  their  thirds :  I  am  con- 
tent to  return  them,  taking  a  little  now  and  a  little  then,  I  for- 
get the  quantum.  Pray  call  to  mind  Richard  Bainham's  sale  to 
me  of  300  acres  of  land  he  bought  of  William  Biddle ;  the  writings 
I  left  with  thee,  and  I  desire  a  claim  may  be  made  of  it  upon  Wil- 
liam Biddle ;  a  good  support  of  mine  upon  the  island,  that  out  of  that 
I  may  be  satisfied  for  the  half  I  allowed  him  for  his  wife's  and  son's 
and  daughter's  life;  make  the  best,  since  those  300  acres  where 


^  The  following  anecdote  I  have  heard  from  Charles  Thompson,  Esq.  : 
Anthony  Duche,  a  respectable  Protestant  refugee  from  France,  came 
with  his  wife  over  to  Pennsylvania  in  the  same  ship  with  William  Penn, 
who  had  borrowed  a  small  sum  of  money  (under  thirty  pounds)  of 
him.  After  their  arrival  he  waited  on  the  proprietor  for  repayment, 
who  told  him  if  he  would  take  a  lot  in  lieu  of  the  money  he  should 
have  a  good  bargain,  and  offered  him  the  square  in  High  Street,  be- 
tween Third  and  Fourth  Streets,  with  only  the  exception  of  the  burial- 
ground  occupied  by  Friends  on  Mulberry  and  Fourth  Streets,  (and 
which  was  first  offered  to  Thomas  Lloyd,  his  wife  being  the  first  person 
interred  there,)  the  proprietor  observing  that  he  knew  the  lot  was 
very  cheap,  but  that  he  had  been  obliged  by  the  money,  and  besides 
he  wished  to  do  something  for  those  who  had  adventured  with  him  into 
this  new  country.  "You  are  very  good,  Mr.  Penn,"  replied  Duch^, 
"and  I  dare  say  the  bargain  would  be  advantageous  enough,  but  it 
would  better  suit  me  now  to  have  the  money. "  "  Blockhead, ' '  rejoined 
the  proprietor,  provoked  at  his  overlooking  tlie  intended  benefit ; 
"well,  well,  thou  shalt  have  the  money,  but  canst  thou  not  see  that 
this  will  be  a  very  great  city  in  a  very  little  time?"*  "So  I  was  paid," 
continued  Duch^,  "and  have  ever  since  regretted  my  own  folly."  Thos. 
Lloyd  declined  having  a  grant  of  the  ground  for  himself,  but  wished  it  to 
be  given  to  Friends  for  a  burial-ground,  and  it  was  accordingly  done. — L. 

*  [This  anecdote  is  related  of  Ladd,  and  with  more  point;  to  whom,  on  his 

refusal  to  accept,  Penn  replied,  " ,  I  perceive  thou  art  a  Ladd  by  name  and  a 

lad  by  nature,  for  dost  thou  not  perceive  this  will  become  a  great  city  ?  " —  Editor.] 
VOL.  I. —  19 


274  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1703-4. 

they  were  sold  to  \V.  R.  were  one  of  the  corners  of  allotment,  viz., 
Rancocus  Creek,  would  now  be  worth  2,  if  not  ^^"300.  Make  all 
the  returns  thou  canst  to  me,  but  of  my  own,  not  my  dauy^hter's, 
as  unhappily  thou  sentest  them  word,  but  withal,  pray  see  that 
the  attorneys  there  do  return  discreetly  and  expeditiously,  or  I 
may  pay  the  reckoning  of  their  weakness.  Lessen  interest  as 
thou  payest  with  them,  pray.  I  have  a  good  opinion  of  their 
honesty  and  love  to  me. 

I  hear  not  a  word  about  land  improvements  at  Pennsbury, 
but  of  divers  of  the  declining  condition  of  it,  notwithstanding 
the  money  I  laid  out  when  there  to  help  it ;  also  that  John 
works  to  his  trade,  and  yet  has  great  wages  of  me ;  [at]  what  if 
twenty  or  thirty  servants  were  under  him  at  the  hard  labor  of 
tobacco-planting  in  Maryland  or  Virginia,  would  be  an  exceed- 
ing salary :  but  this  may  be  only  noise,  and  ill  will,  for  I  love 
him  and  Mary. 

I  am  at  a  loss  till  I  hear  from  you,  how  my  deputy  governor  is 
received,  as  also  my  poor  boy,  for  methinks  their  arrival  ought 
to  give  you  quiet,  and  silence  the  objections  of  your  base  enemies 
for  an  approved  governor. 

I  offered  the  Lords  Commissioners  t'other  day,  either  that  we 
might  be  bought  out,  or  have  liberty  to  buy  out  our  turbulent 
churchmen,  and  they  wished  it  were  so,  the  latter  they  said.  I 
desired  them  to  forward  it,  and  I  assured  them  I  would  find  four 
amongst  us  that  could  and  would  do  it.  They  are  thoroughly 
apprised  of  your  hardships,  and  so  are  greater  persons ;  and 
Quary  will  have  a  rebuke  by  this  opportunity,  or  with  the  New 
York  convoy,  from  that  board,  as  before  noted. 

I  have  further  inquired  about  the  hats  sent  to  honest  G.  Owen 
and  thyself,  and  they  were  the  best  of  beavers  now  worn,  and  I 
remember  to  have  opened  the  box  on  purpose  to  see  them,  and 
what  hats  he  sent  for  [the]  servants ;  and  I  wear  no  better  than 
[they]  appeared  to  me  to  have  been,  and  I  am  satisfied  there  has 
been  foul  play,  which  is  an  abominable  thing,  wherever  it  has  been. 

I  had  a  letter  from  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade,  &c., 
upon  occasion   of  one  from  Sir  Thomas  Lawrence,*  that  vox  et 

*  [This  is,  we  suppose,  the  Sir  Thomas  Lawrence  who,  in  1695,  had  a 


1703-4]  CORRESPONDENCE.  2/5 

prcetcna  nihil,  complaining  of  contemptuous  expressions  used  by 
Thomas  Story  in  public  meetings  against  baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper,  in  Maryland,  last  general  meeting  ;  a  silly  knight,  though 
I  hope  it  comes  of  officious  weakness,  the  talent  of  that  gentle- 
man, with  some  malice,  rather  than  an  unnecessary  attack  on  the 
part  of  Thomas  Story,  or  in  irreverent  terms.  I  never  heeded  it, 
only  said,  if  that  gentleman  had  sense  enough  for  his  office,  he 
might  have  known  his  tale  was  no  part  of  it,  and  that  the  rude- 
ness and  perpetual  clamor  and  writing  of  George  Keith,  and  the 
rest  of  the  drunken  crew  of  priests  in  those  parts,  in  their  pul- 
pits, with  public  challenges  besides,  gave  occasion  for  what 
passed  ;  that  he  was  a  discreet  and  temperate  man,  and  did  not 
use  to  exceed  in  his  retorts  or  returns.  But  't  is  children's  work 
to  provoke  a  combat,  and  then  cry  out  that  such  an  one  beats 
them.  I  hoped  they  were  not  a  committee  of  conscience,  nor 
religion,  and  that  it  showed  the  shallowness  of  the  gentleman 
that  played  the  busybody  in  it;  however,  let  Griffith  Owen  men- 
tion this  to  Thomas,  least  time  fail  me.  Though  I  took  physic 
to-day,  and  hoped  for  privacy,  twenty  people  of  quality  have 
broke  in  upon  me,  and  they  say  the  ships  will  sail  in  two  days. 
If  I  can  send  the  newspapers  I  will. 

I.  Ash  I  have  been  extremely  civil  to,  but  the  lords  proprie- 
taries will. do  nothing  without  hearing  first  from  t'other  side,  so 
that  he  is  under  a  distracting  disappointment.  He  is  an  ingeni- 
ous man,  very  sharp,  and  for  that  reason  quick  and  too  strict, 
nice  and  uneasy.  Poor  man,  he  was  yesterday  dying,  but  hope 
he  is  better  to-night.  I  wish  him  well  through  this  world,  to  a 
better.  Benjamin  Ffurlcy  ^  writ  lately  to  me  from  Holland,  as 
if  difficulties  were  made  about  assigning  him  his  Front  and 
High  Street  lot,  which  if  any,  was  on  Schuylkill  side,  was  his 

conversation  with  Pilsworth  on  "matters  relating  to  New  York,"  and 
who  was  then  her  Majesty's  secretary  for  the  colony  of  Maryland. 
4  Documents  relating  to  the  Col.  Hist,  of  N.   V.,  167.  —  Editor.] 

'As  agent  for  William  Penn,  B.  Furley  had  sold  the  tract  of  land 
to  the  Germans  who  settled  Germantown,  and  was  very  instrumental 
in  encouraging  them  to  emigrate  to  Pennsylvania.  He  was  a  minister 
of  the  gospel  among  Friends,  and  had  travelled  much  in  Germany  on 
that  account,  sometimes  with  W.  Penn.  He  was  an  author  too:  an  odtl 
but  apparently  learned  printed  work  of  his  is  in  the  library  at  Sten- 
ton.  — L. 


276  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [17O3-4. 

purchase  before  the  2d  6th-mo.,  1682.  If  so,  aright,  else  not,  for 
the  100  lots  or  shares  were  up  to  whom  only  the  town  lots  were 
granted.  Also  I  promised  him,  or  his  wife  rather,  lying  in  at 
that  time,  that  each  of  her  boys  should  have  a  lot.  Let  them, 
so  soon  as  I  send  their  names,  a  lot  of  25  or  30  or  40  feet,  next 
them  already  entitled  by  purchase,  among  the  500. acres'  pur- 
chasers. 

Forget  not  Tace  Sowle,^  our  only  stationer  now,  as  well  as 
printer,  to  countenance  her  attorney  in  taking  up  her  land  in 
right  of  her  father,  which  was  his  gift  to  her.  Also  pray  say 
something  to  the  Churchills  about  their  ^^40  cargo. 

There  is  one  John  Lask,  or  Lisk,  thy  countryman,  or  father's, 
highly  recommended  by  Robt.  and  David  Barclay,  and  their 
uncle  Gilbert  Molleston,  a  solid  Friend  in  town,  as  are  the  other 
two,  for  their  time,  as  an  ingenious  man,  somewhat  of  a  scholar, 
a  civilian  too,  but  a  good  writer,  and  bred  much  of  a  merchant. 
I  would  have  him  in  thy  office,  or  in  the  receipt  of  quit-rents,  or 
what  may  be  worth  [to]  him  £$0  per  an.,  and  countenance  to 
boot.  He  may  be  useful.  Pray  be  regardful  to  him,  and  direct 
him  as  to  persons  and  things,  being  a  stranger.  Pray  what  came 
of  James  Claypole's  debt,  my  cousin  Silas's  brother-in-law,  in 
East  Jerseys  purchase  ? 

Pray  be  very  mindful  of  my  Jersey  lands,  and  remember  my 
last  about  the  old  king's  grant  to  me  at  Pennsbury.  Inquire 
of  Bass,  and  look  over  a  paper,  in  the  nature  of  a  certificate  of 
survey,  Daniel  Leeds  gaye  or  sent  me,  or  the  captain,  the  col- 
lector that  was  at  Burlington,  about  my  two  proprieties.  What 
did  young  Cox  at  Salem?  Be  full,  pray,  on  these  points.  We 
hear  nothing  of  the  Pennsbury  Galley  yet.     I  earnestly  desire 

'  Proud,  in  his  History  of  Pennsylvania,  note  to  page  226,  men- 
tions Andrew  Soule,  printer,  in  Shoreditch,  London,  1684.  This  per- 
son was  probably  his  daughter;  and  it  is  here  meant  that  she  was  at 
that  time  printer  to  the  Society  of  Friends  in  London.  She  married, 
in  1706,  Thomas  Raylton,  who  was  continued  in  the  business,  in  which 
they  were  afterwards  succeeded  by  their  daughter,  Tace  Sowle  Rayl- 
ton. The  land  marked  for  Andrew  Sowle  in  the  old  map,  is  in  Phila- 
delphia County,  near  the  head  of  Wissahickon,  then  called  Whitpain's 
Creek.  Both  that  and  the  township  of  that  name  were  called  after 
Richard  Whitpain,  one  of  the  earliest;  settlers. — L. 


1703-4-]  CORRESPONDENCE.  277 

our  folk  would  make  their  tobacco  more  correctly,  or  give  it 
over,  for  we  lose  intolerably  by  it,  besides  the  great  dishonor  to 
our  country.  Remember  poor  Johnnee,  the  little  American, 
according  to  what  I  writ,  both  of  his  grandfather's  lot  and  land, 
and  what  I  gave  him  in  my  former  letters.  I  will  have  no  more 
bank  lots  disposed  of,  nor  keys  yet  made  into  the  river,  without 
my  special  and  fresh  leave,  for  reasons  justifiable.  Tell  my  son 
I  met  my  wife  and  his  at  young  S.  Tilley's  marriage,  near  Guil- 
ford, and  then  they  were  well ;  and  by  two  letters  since  their 
return.  Guly  and  Springett  are  well  from  their  agues,  and 
little  Billy  so  too,  and  the  spark  of  them  all ;  and  my  poor  little 
ones  also  well,  and  great  love  among  the  children.  I  beseech 
God  increase  it  eveiywhere  more  abundantly ;  for  the  want  of  it 
will  smite  the  earth  with  a  curse,  if  people  will  not  fear,  love,  and 
obey. 

Jacob  Simcock  writ  to  me  about  money  due  on  interest.  His 
father  never  desired  it,  but  plainly  and  positively,  before  him  and 
others,  [declared]  he  expected,  nor  would  have  any  interest ;  and 
therefore  let  Jacob  know  it,  with  my  love  to  him,  and  his,  and 
his  mother,  and  father  George  Meris.  Salute  me  to  all  friends, 
as  if  named,  the  council,  magistrates,  and  officers,  and  inhab- 
itants, that  behave  discreetly.  I  send  thee  a  copy  of  my  memo- 
rial the  Lords  Commissioners  desired  of  me,  and  what  I  would 
have  them  write  to  Col.  Quary,  a  duplicate  of  all  this  to  thee 
and  lieutenant  governor;  and  my  son  will  go  by  Cook  or  Rob- 
ertson. If  I  have  time,  may  add  more ;  but  for  fear  of  losing 
the  opportunity,  N.  Puckle  lying  at  Portsmouth  for  a  wind,  close 
this,  with  hearty  good  wishes  for  thy  true  prosperity,  and  that 
wisdom  may  guide  thee,  that  wisdom  which  is  gentle,  and  easy 
to  be  entreated,  for  it  comes  from  above,  and  will  outlive  all  the 
false  wisdom  of  this  low  and  miserable  world. 

Being  thy  real  friend,  William  Penn. 

P.  S. — -The  Friend  that  made  the  seals  says  that  he  will  prove, 
before  the  most  skilful,  that  there  is  no  manner  of  fault  in  them, 
though  he  fears  some  in  the  manner  of  impressing;  therefore 
look  well  to  that. 


278  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1703-4. 

[The  following  is  a  postscript  to  letter  of  31st  loth-mo.,  1703. 
The  foregoing  letter  was  copied  from  a  duplicate;  the  original, 
since  found,  has  the  following  addition.  —  L.] 

London,  2>th  2ii-mo.,  1704. 

I  am  grieved  to  think  that  you  ever  gave  way  to  any  other 
affirmation  than  that  appointed  by  law,  in  the  province ;  by 
which  you  have  given  away  a  most  tender  point,  not  easily  re- 
coverable. My  regard  to  this  Queen  is  known,  almost  to  par- 
tiality ;  but  I  shall  never  obey  her  letters  against  laws,  into  which 
she  may  be  drawn  by  interested  persons,  or  those  that  would 
make  their  court  at  other  men's  cost,  and  go  upon  private 
piques  ;  but  the  great  blower-up  of  these  coals,  the  Bishop  of 
London,  is  himself  under  humiliations.  However,  pray  use  thy 
utmost  wits  to  get  intelligence  of  the  motions  of  our  enemies 
there,  in  their  designs,  and  what  correspondencies  they  hold  at 
New  York,  Virginia,  and  Maryland,  and  communicate  them  to 
me  with  the  quickest  and  safest  opportunities. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  14/A  isi-mo.,  1703-4. 
The  original  of  the  above  is  sent  by  way  of  Barbadoes,  with 
a  copy  of  a  former  by  the  Centurion  via  Boston,  by  whom  re- 
turning to  Boston,  having  struck  on  a  rock  going  out,  this  is 
intended,  if  it  can  possibly  reach,  which  I  much  suspect,  and, 
therefore,  shall  not  enlarge.  This  morning  John  Guy,  whom  I 
mentioned  in  my  former,  by  the  frigate,  is  come  in  from  Carolina, 
and  he  shall  be  dispatched  thither  again  with  all  expedition,  to 
get  a  loading,  according  to  former  advices,  and  sail  per  the  Vir- 
ginia fleet  for  England.  I  am  every  day  more  out  of  heart, 
through  the  great  discouragement  we  lie  under  here.  The 
country  has  no  money  —  what  little  there  is  the  traders  in  town 
have  it.  Wheat,  the  farmer's  dependence,  bears  no  price,  and 
bread  and  flour  is  a  very  drug,  notwithstanding  so  high  in  de- 
mand three  years  ago.  Things  are  now  at  such  a  stand  that  I 
know  not  whether  to  receive  thy  dues  or  not,  seeing  that  they 
can  by  no  means  be  had  in  money.     This  morning  we  have  also 


1703-4]  CORRESPONDENCE.  279 

the  account  of  the  great  storm  in  England,  and  the  losses  by  it. 
Another  blow  !  Last  week,  thy  son,  Judge  Mompcsson,  and  my- 
self went  to  Pennsbury  to  meet  one  hundred  Indians,  of  which 
nine  were  kings.  Oppewounumhook,  the  chief,  with  his  neigh- 
bors, who  came  thither  to  congratulate  thy  son's  arrival,  pre- 
senting nine  belts  of  wampum  for  a  ratification  of  peace,  &c., 
and  had  returns  accordingly.  He  staid  there  with  the  judge, 
waiting  Clement  Plumstead's  wedding  with  Sarah  Righton,  for- 
merly Biddle.     I  am,  as  before,  thine,  &c.,  J.  Logan. 

[By  way  of  Boston,  with  a  copy  of  the  former.] 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

[Part  of  a  letter  which  belongs  to  this  date/  and  appears  to 
have  been  written  when  under  a  heavy  pressure  from  his  unfor- 
tunate circumstances.  —  L.] 

....  But  as  difficult  as  my  circumstances  are,  and  as  mean 
a  prospect  as  thou  givest  me  of  any  supply,  yet  that  hardly 
troubles  me  equally  to  the  weakness,  and  worse  (I  fear)  of  some 
of  our  folks,  in  reference  to  your  government  matters. "If" (at a 
time  when  monarchs  on  this  side  of  the  world,  (who  will  yet  for 
some  ages  give  law  to  that,  and  that  seem  almost  all  of  a  mind 
to  get  as  much  power  in  their  hands  as  they  can,  if  not  agreed 
to  lessen  the  privileges  of  the  people,  because  of  the  ill  use 
some  hot  or  designing  persons  make  of  them,)^  they  can  think 

^  [Mrs.  Logan  assigns  the  year  1 704  as  that  in  which  this  letter  was 
written,  and  we  accordingly  place  it  under  that  date,  with  this  com- 
ment and  explanation, that  the  statement  made  by  Penn,  unless  erring 
in  his  computation  that  for  twenty-three  years  he  had  supported  a 
'■^deputy  governor"  at  his  own  cost,  shows  the  letter  was  written  in 
1 71 1,  Captain  John  Blackwell  having  been  commissioned  in  1688.  It 
must,  however,  be  remarked,  that  although  some  of  the  facts  men- 
tioned appear  to  make  the  latter  the  proper  date,  yet  the  return  of  his 
son  to  England,  which  took  place  in  November,  1704,  the  separation 
of  territories,  the  lower  counties,  &c.,  would  hardly  have  been  referred 
to  as  recent  events  in  171 1.  — Editor.] 

*  It  is  a  singular  coincidence,  that  in  the  same  year  in  which  this  letter 
was  written,  the  child  should  be  born  in  one  of  the  colonies  who  should 
cherish  their  resistance  to  the  misrule  of  the  mother  country,  and,  in 


28o  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1703-4. 

such  a  law  as  thine  mentions  can  succeed  here,  they  are  dis- 
tracted:  be  sure  they  will  in  vain  show  their  inclination,  if  not 
worse  ;  for,  to  say  truth,  'tis  incongruous,  and  a  mere  bull  in  con- 
stitutions: as  the  case  stands  they  will  leave  no  government 
for  me  to  dispose  of,  but  take  it  upon  themselves,  and  neither 
requite  me  for  a  deputy  governor  these  twenty-three  years  at 
my  cost,  nor  so  much  as  settle  a  maintenance  upon  this  gentle- 
man. By  no  means  let  the  present  governor  recommend  him- 
self to  the  Queen  or  me  to  succeed  in  the  government  at  so 
preposterous  a  rate.  Will  they  never  be  wise  ?  These  assem- 
blies, held  so  absurdly  as  well  as  hazardously,  will,  in  the  end, 
subject  the  whole  to  laws  made  for  them  in  Parliament. 

I  am  sorry  to  have  such  a  prospect  of  charge  as  two  houses, 
and  the  governor's  salary,  my  son's  voyage,  stay  and  return,  and 
no  revenue  or  Susquehenna  money  paid,  on  which  account  I 
ventured  my  poor  child  so  far  from  his  wife  and  pretty  children 
and  my  own  oversight.  O  Pennsylvania!  what  hast  thou  cost 
me  ?  above  ^30,000  more  than  I  ever  got  by  it,  two  hazardous 
and  most  fatiguing  voyages,  my  straits  and  slavery  here,  and 
my  child's  soul  almost,  as  I  have  formerly  expressed  myself, 
(to  be  sure,  the  present  venture  of  his  life.)  But  I  must  be 
short.  I  shall  be  further  loaded,  instead  of  his  coming  being 
instrumental  to  relieve  me.  In  short,  I  must  sell  all,  or  be  un- 
done and  disgraced,  into  the  bargain.  Pray  make  him  sensible 
of  this. 


William  Penn  to  the  Commissioners  of  Property.^ 

2ofli  \si-mo.,  1703-4. 
Beloved  Friends:  —  At  the  request  of  my  old  worthy  friend, 
Thomas  Elwood,  who  cannot  be  unknown  to  you,  at  least  by  a 
just  fame  and  reputation,  and  of  the  first  purchasers,  I  do  here- 
by desire  and   order  you  to  take  care  that  you  forthwith  grant 

conjunction  with  other  enlightened  patriots,  succeed  in  effecting  their 
emancipation  from  her  threatened  bondage,  and,  by  a  dissemination 
of  the  principles  of  equal  liberty  and  just  government,  teach  the  men- 
archs  of  the  Old  World  that  their  best  sectirity  is  a  respect  for  the  pri- 
vileges and  happiness  of  their  subjects.  —  L. 

^  [From  the  Justice  MSS. — Editor.] 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  28I 

warrants  of  survey  to  take  up  and  survey  all  lands  of  his,  having 
nigh  to  1,000  acres  remaining  unsurveyed,  and  also  his  liberty 
lands  and  city  lots  on  Front  and  in  High  Street,  according  to 
lot  and  settlements,  commencing  when  he  will  give  order  to 
some  person  to  attend  you.  With  best  wishes  I  close,  and  am 
Your  true  and  affectionate  friend.  VVm.  Penn. 


1704. 

James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  3^  2d-mo.,  1704. 
Honored  Governor:  —  Being  informed  that 'tis  possible  this, 
by  way  of  Madeira,  may  prove  an  opportunity  of  conveyance,  I 
make  use  of  it  to  inform  thee  of  my  receipt  of  thine  to-day,  via 
Barbadoes,  of  the  loth  mo.  4th  last,  and  that  we  are  all  here  in 
health.  Thy  son  has  shown  himself  resolved,  ever  since  his 
arrival,  to  see  York  some  time  before  his  departure,  and  Judge 
Mompesson  going  from  hence  thither  five  days  ago,  with  a  de- 
sign to  return  in  eight  more,  both  for  the  sake  of  the  company 
and  the  shortness  of  the  stay  'twas  thought  to  be  the  most  con- 
venient opportunity  that  could  offer.  The  judge  is  exceeding 
firm,  and  in  a  right  interest,  and  somewhat  incensed  at  the  un- 
accountable commission  that  arrived  about  ten  days  ago,  con- 
stituting Col.  Quary  judge  of  the  admiralty  for  this  province 
and  West  Jersey,  dated  in  gbr.  last,  and  supersedes  that  part  of 
R.  Mompesson's  :  how  it  was  obtained  startles  us  all  to  think. 
He  has  likewise  obtained  a  commission  to  be  surveyor-general 
of  the  customs,  either  of  all  the  plantations,  or,  at  least,  of  all 
the  continent ;  which  raises  him  more  than  ever  he  was  de- 
pressed before.  If  the  assembly  make  a  new  regulation  of  the 
courts,  and  give  encouragement  to  R.  Mompesson  to  be  our 
chief  justice,  he  will  be  well  enough  pleased  with  his  being 
superseded  here,  for  it  has  been  of  no  profit  at  all  hitherto,  we 
are  become  so  superlatively  honest ;  and  he  is  of  opinion  that 
these  two  commissions  —  of  the  admiralty,  I  mean,  and  of  the 
civil  courts  —  are  nat  very  consistent.  Nor  does  Col.  Quary  deny 
but  that  the  two  places  are  equally  so,   and  therefore   'tis   be- 


282  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

lieved,  unless  thou  interposes,  endeavors  will  be  used  to  raise  J. 
Moore  to  it,  which  will  intolerably  set  them  above  us  all.  Thy 
son  will  be  large  on  this  head  from  York,  but  I  take  leave  to 
hint  it  here,  hoping  it  may  reach.  J.  Mompesson  would  have 
no  measures  taken  at  home,  I  suppose,  till  it  appears  what  our 
assembly  will  do  here, 

I  wrote  by  the  Centurion  man-of-war,  from  Boston,  a  little 
before  the  governor's  arrival,  and  a  fortnight  after,  viz.,  18th 
i2th-mo.,  by  way  of  Barbadoes,  and  sent  a  copy  of  it  again  by 
the  Centurion,  but  fear  it  did  not  reach  her.  We  have  had  but 
very  few  changes  made  yet  in  commissions,  only  the  council 
enlarged.  New  Castle  has  been  in  great  divisions,  J.  Coutts 
heading  for  the  government,  and  R.  Halliwell  endeavoring  to 
strengthen  and  recommend  himself  again,  but  at  the  election 
the  2 1st  ult.,  in  an  appearance  of  the  whole  county,  they  say, 
had  not  twenty  to  stand  for  him  of  300,  nor  was  one  of  that 
party  chosen.  This  J.  Coutts  was  resolved  to  effect  to  show 
they  were  not  pretenders  to  an  interest  and  had  none.  There 
were  mighty  canvassing  on  that  side  pretending  the  church,  but 
nothing  could  be  carried,  notwithstanding  the  clergy  all  round 
used  all  endeavors ;  but  all  will  come  to  nothing  I  doubt ;  for 
that  unhappy  charter  thou  granted,  and  which  I  admire  thou 
never  mentioned,  will,  most  certainly,  utterly  separate  the  prov- 
ince and  territories,  I  doubt  to  our  confusion.  'Tis  a  strange 
unhappiness  we  labor  under,  as  if  there  was  a  fatality  in  that  we 
must  never  be  quite  in  order.  The  clergy  increase  much  this 
way,     Burlington  and  Chester  have  their  churches^  and  minis- 

^  [St.  Mary's,  Burlington,  and  St.  Paul's,  at  Chester. — Editor.]. 

The  summer  of  1704  is  represented,  in  a  letter  of  Isaac  Norris,  to 
have  been  remarkably  dry  and  warm.  Tobacco  and  Indian  corn 
failed,  but  a  very  good  and  large  harvest  of  Enghsh  grain. 

February,  1704. — "This  has  been  the  hardest  winter  and  deepest 
snow  that  has  been  known  by  the  oldest  person  amongst  us.  We  have 
had  but  one  post  all  this  season,  (from  Boston,")  whose  quick  return 
and  short  notice  allows  not  to  enlarge.  The  river  is  still  fast,  and 
likely  to  continue  so." — Letter  of  James  Logan. 

Price-current,  from  a  letter  of  Isaac  Norris,  dated  Philadelphia,  28th 
5th-mo.,  1704: — Rum,  3s.  gd.  per  gallon  ;  sugar,  best  Barbadoes,  ^3  ; 
molasses,  2s.  6d.,  or  2s,  20  hhd.  together,  Antigua;  cotton,  2od.  ;  gin- 
ger has  been  14  or  15  per  cwt.  ;  logwood,  no  buyers,  the  last  sold  at 
;^9  ;•  flour,  14s.;  wheat,  3s.  gd.  per  bushel. — L. 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  283 

ters,  and  several  more  are  building.  God  grant  that  a  spirit  of 
charity  and  kindness  may  be  cultivated  among  us  in  place  of 
hatred  and  persecution.  I  shall  lose  this  opportunity  if  I  con- 
tinue to  add,  and  must,  therefore,  break  off,  and  conclude 

Thy  most  dutiful,  J.  Logan. 


James  Logan  to  James  Coutts. 
[^Extracf.']  Philadelphia,  6fh  -i^d-mo.,  1704. 

Esteemed  Friend: —  ....  I  have  communicated  to  our 
young  proprietor  what  thou  writest  about  his  journey  to  Cones- 
toga  ;  but  he  has  been  informed  from  thence  that  the  Indians 
of  that  place  will  not  return  from  hunting  till  the  latter  end  of 
this  month,  and  thinks  that  it  will  not  be  so  commodious  travel- 
ling till  the  grass  is  better  grown  for  horses.  He  gives  his  ser- 
vice to  thyself  and  brother,  with  which  accept  the  best  respects 
of  thy  assured  friend,  J.  L. 


Richard  Hill  to  Jonathan  Dickinson. 

Philadelphia,  i^h  ^d-mo.,  1704. 
My  Dear  Friend  Jonathan  Dickinson  : —  I  gladly  embrace 
this  opportunity,  being  the  first  and  only  that  I  conceive  shall 
have  from  this  place  before  my  departure  for  Maryland,  which 
I  expect  may  be  about  two  weeks  hence,  which  time  is  also 
appointed  for  G.  C.  and  M.  H.  to  consummate  their  marriage. 
Our  place  is  generally  very  healthy,  as  are  all  our  relations  and 
thy  two  children.  They  grow  up  together  as  calves  in  a  stall, 
and  are  inseparable  companions,  and  for  the  most  very  good 
company.  Dear  friend,  I  hope  this  summer  will  crown  our 
desire  with  your  good  company,  which  would  be  very  accept- 
able to  us  all.  We  have  a  new  governor,  who  is  lately  come  over 
with  the  proprietor's  commission  and  Queen's  approbation.  He 
is  an  Episcopal  man,  young  and  solid,  but  I  hope  every  way 
well  suited  to  our  present  circumstances.  The  province  and  ter- 
ritories are  divided  into  two  assemblies  at  last,  but  are  one  govern- 
ment It's  yet  too  early  to  pass  opinion  whether  for  the  better 
or  not,  but  we  hope  the  best.     We  also  have  our  young  propri- 


284  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [17O4. 

etor's  company,  who  is  come  to  stay  here  a  year,  and,  if  he  like, 
fetch  his  wife.  Thy  news  about  Gov.  Pimento,  of  Carthagena, 
was  both  new  and  acceptable,  and  I  hope  will  be  rewarded  for 
his  friendship  per  the  new  king  of  Spain,  when  admitted.  We 
have  not  much  new  news  from  Europe  that  is  credited,  but  daily 
expect.  Rich.  Bradick  and  one  Crute,  of  our  place,  are  both  ^^afe 
at  Martinico,  and  is  all  they  have  yet  known  of  ours  amongst 
150  sail  taken  this  way.  I  hope  they  will  not  enlarge  the  num- 
ber. I  presume  most  of  my  relations  that  may  be  expected  will 
move  at  large,  embrace  this  opportunity;  therefore  shall  not  say 
much  for  them,  only  my  wife,  with  me,  has  her  very  dear  love 
to  thee,  thy  wife,  relations  unknown,  and  dear  Johnny,  which 
accept  as  the  needful  from  thy  affectionate  and  real  friend  to 
power.  Rd.  Hill. 

Pray  remember  my  love  to  Benj.  Dickinson.     Thy  sons  have 
their  duty  to  you  both,  and  love  to  brother. 


James  Logan  to  WillL'Wi  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  25//?  3^- ;«<?.,  1704,  <^th-day. 
Honored  Governor:  —  I  send  this  chiefly  to  let  thee  know 
that  I  am  writing  largely  by  the  Virginia  fleet,  to  be  sent  down 
by  third-day  next  by  the  friends  going  to  Maryland  meeting, 
and  't  is  hoped  will  be  early  enough  to  reach  them  ;  but  if  any 
disappointment  should  possibly  happen,  it  may  be  convenient 
to  advise  thee  here  that  the  province  and  territories  are  entirely 
disunited,  in  pursuance  of  that  unhappy  charter,  and  the  province 
now  acting  by  themselves  in  assembly  ;  but  what  they  will  do 
cannot  yet  be  foreseen :  some  hope  for  good,  and  some  expect 
but  little.  In  the  mean  time,  however,  if  thou  hast  an  oppor- 
tunity of  making  a  good  bargain  for  thyself,  and  the  many 
honest  people  that  arc  still  here,  notwithstanding  the  endeavors 
of  the  spiteful  or  malcontents,  'tis  what  I  believe  thy  best 
friends  will  advise  thee  to.  We  are  all  well.  Mr.  William  and 
I    have   taken   Wm.    Clark's    great    house    in   Chestnut  Street.' 

'  Near  the  S.  W.  corner  of  Third  Street,  afterwards  the  residence 
of  Israel  Pemberton,  Esq.,  and  now  occupied  by  a  bank.  — L. 


1704.]  CORRESrONDENCE.  285 

Judge  Mompesson  has  lost  all  in  his  commission  but  New  York, 
and  Col.  Quary  is  made  surveyor-general  of  all  the  main,  and  I 
believe  of  the  islands  too.  The  governor  acquits  himself  be- 
yond what  could  possibly  be  expected  from  his  years:  is  master 
of  his  temper  to  a  great  degree,  which  has  been  but  too  much 
tried  by  some  of  our  humors.  It  will  be  a  justice  due  to  him 
to  get  the  Queen's  first  commission  to  him.  Judge  Mompesson 
is  certainly  a  man  of  consummate  worth,  but  has  not  fallen  into 
hands  that  know  how  to  value  him.  I  fear  the  assembly  will 
give  him  no  encouragement.  He  is  of  the  council,  and  as  he  is 
of  ability  infinitely  beyond  the  rest,  so  he  has  a  willingness  suit- 
able to  it.  A  militia  is  going  forward  with  all  vigor;  but  our 
friends  would  not  suffer  the  proclamation  to  be  printed  in  their 
press.  I  shall  not  enter  in  particular  business  here,  referring  it 
to  the  other  opportunity,  and  conclude  with  all  due  respects. 
Thy  faithful  friend,  James  Logan. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  2(ith  T,d-mo.,  1704. 

Honored  Governor:  —  Since  the  arrival  of  thy  son  and  lieu- 
tenant governor,  I  wrote  from  New  Castle  15th  and  i8th  12th- 
mo.,  via  Barbadoes,  with  a  copy  and  postscript,  via  Boston  ;  the 
3d  2d-mo.,  by  Madeira;  and  i6th  instant  by  a  sloop  to  Ireland, 
besides  those  by  the  governor,  thy  son,  and  Joshua  Cheeseman, 
I  have  received  thine,  one  dated  4th  Xbr.,  byway  of  Barbadoes, 
with  duplicate  and  postscript  via  Antigua,  and  another,  31st 
lobr.,  by  post  from  Boston :  of  the  contents  of  all  which 
shall  take  notice,  but  for  want  of  some  helps  am  cast  so  far  be- 
hind in  time  that  I  must  do  it  with  brevity. 

The  governor  acquits  himself  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  and 
thy  friends,  and  much  better  I  believe,  than  is  desired  by  our 
enemies  ;  there  has  not  much  passed  that  is  very  material,  ex- 
cept that  of  the  separation  of  the  province  and  territories,  all 
the  steps  of  which  will  fully  appear  in  the  minutes  and  papers 
that  accompany  this.  I  sent  the  minutes  of  the  whole  pro- 
ceedings in   Sbr.  and  Qbr.,  1702,  at  large,  ist-nio.,  1702-3,  but 


286  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

believe  they  miscarried.  My  letters,  however,  of  lobr.,  1703, 
with  two  or  three  of  these  papers  now  sent,  will  give  a  full  sight 
into  that  business,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  present  assembly 
will  appear  at  large,  by  those  council  minutes,  drawn  all  with 
my  own  hand,  though  I  can  ill  spare  the  time  for  want  of  assist- 
ance, the  writer  I  had  having  left  me.  I  designed  in  the  close 
of  these  to  have  sent  Judge  Mompesson's  report  of  the  coun- 
cil's conference  with  the  assembly  a  second  time,  with  the 
arguments  in  law  and  reason,  which  made  a  way  for  that  answer 
to  the  assembly,  but  could  not  get  it  drawn  up ;  however,  the 
whole  will  appear  very  clear  to  any  that  will  but  fully  consider 
the  royal  charter  to  thee,  which  makes  all  laws  past  by  thy  lieu- 
tenant as  available  as  those  past  by  thyself;  besides  that  the 
very  words  of.  that  saving  makes  the  clause  void,  there  being 
nothing  reserved  but  an  assent  to  laws  past,  which  when  past 
will  need  none.  That  answer  .was  believed  by  all  those  that 
signed  it,  was  truly  right  in  itself,  yet  would  scarce  have  been 
complied  with  by  the  council,  had  not  necessity  forced  them,  for 
without  it  the  assembly  would  have  done  nothing.  But  thou  art 
still  very  safe  in  a  governor  who  seems  in  all  things  to  be  actu- 
ated by  such  principles  of  honor  as  will  never  suffer  him  to 
hearken  to  anything  repugnant  to  thy  interest,  unless  some 
small  matter  must  of  necessity  be  dispensed  with  to  make  way 
for  a  greater  advantage,  of  which  I  as  yet  know  nothing. 

They  have  this  day  voted  for  raising  a  sum  not  less  than  a 
thousand  pounds  for  public  uses:  but  the  methods  not  yet  agreed 
on,  and  indeed  the  country  is  so  very  poor  it  will  be  very  diffi- 
cult when  laid  to  make  it  answer  in  the  collection.  They  design, 
I  understand,  the  Queen  with  part  of  that  ^^350,  they  say  ;;^200, 
and  to  leave  the  rest  to  the  territories,  but  I  hope  otherwise,  for 
to  bring  them  so  near  us  in  proportion  will  be  a  disadvantage  to 
us.  Inclosed  I  send  a  copy  of  an  address  from  the  representa- 
tives of  the  territories,  drawn  up  after  they  went  down  again  to 
New  Castle  by  James  Coutts,  with  part  of  his  letter ;  afterwards, 
I  understand,  he  got  it  signed  by  them  all,  but  whether  sent  or 
not  I  have  not  had  time  to  learn.  R.  French  is  his  opposite  in 
interest,  which  makes  him  write  the  less  favorably ;  but  James 
has  really  been  hearty,  and  deserves  well  of  the  government. 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  287 

yet  is  cooled,  I  doubt,  because  of  the  new  commission  to  that 
county  for  justices,  which  scarcely  pleased  him.  They  are  all 
in  parties  there,  but  J.  Coutts  carried  it  by  vast  odds  against 
Richard  Hall,  and  the  others  of  his  side,  all  the  election,  and 
behaved  himself  wonderful  well  when  here  upon  the  service. 

The  governor  is  settling  a  militia  with  all  application  ;  I  send 
a  copy  of  a  proclamation,  which  the  overseers  of  the  press  were 
not  willing  to  have  printed.  There  are  to  be  three  companies 
in  this  town,  three  in  New  Castle,  two  in  Kent,  and  as  many  in 
Sussex.  The  captains  of  this  place  are  G.  Lowther,  who  had  a 
commission  under  Col.  Hamilton,  George  Roche,  whom  I  men- 
tioned per  the  Experiment,  a  stranger  of  a  great  estate  from  Anti- 
gua, who  is  also  made  of  the  council,  as  I  then  proposed  to  thee,* 
and  Captain  Finney's  son,  who  is  sheriff  of  the  county,  as  per  said 
vessel  I  informed;  and  a  troop  is  talked  of  being  raised  in  the 
county  under  said  Capt.  Finney,  if  it  can  be  effected. 

Judge  Mompesson's  affairs  I  leave  to  himself  and  thy  son, 
who  will  also  tell  thee,  I  suppose,  of  J.  Growdon's  professions  of 
friendship.  The  assembly  seems  generally  well  inclined,  but 
there  are  two  or  three  troublesome  heads,  who  't  is  feared  will 
retard  what  they  can.  Yet  one  happiness  is  that  the  father  and 
son,  J.  Growdon  and  David  Lloyd,^  draw  not  the  same  way ;  by 
next  shall  be  able  fully  to  inform,  to  which  also  must  refer  some 
particulars  of  thy  letters,  as  that  of  the  tax,  impost,  and  sub- 
scriptions especially. 

The  reason  is  that  of  the  first  we  could  get  but  very  little  for- 
wards since  thy  departure  by  reason  of  the  weakness  of  the 
government,  and  the  great  head  made  against  it,  but  now  are 

^  This  person  is  thus  mentioned  by  Isaac  Norris,  in  a  letter  dated 
1704  :  "  The  gentleman  thou  hast  heard  of  is  a  Captain  George  Roche, 
from  Antigua;  he  has  bought  Captain  Smith's  plantation  over  Schuylkill, 
and  the  little  place  that  was  Chanlott's,  on  this  side  of  that  river,  and 
there  he  at  present  lives  ;  he  has  also  bought  Christopher  Sibthorpe's 
house,  and  last  week  has  taken  most  of  Samuel  Carpenter's  ware- 
houses and  part  of  the  dwelling-house,  and  carries  on  a  great  trade, 
especially  to  Antigua.  Samuel  Carpenter  is  out  of  trade,  lives  at  his 
plantation,  has  sold  the  scales,  and  the  Coffee  House,  and  intends  to 
sell  off  more."  — L. 

'^  Joseph  Growdon,  and  David  Lloyd,  who  had  married  Joseph  Grow- 
don's daughter.  —  L. 


288  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

pressing  it  vigorous!}',  and  have  good  hopes  that  much  will  be 
had  that  the  people  are  able  to  pay,  which  would  have  utterly 
been  lost  had  not  the  governor  arrived. 

For  the  second,  the  year  1702,  which  was  the  last  summer  it 
lasted,  proved  so  unhappy  in  the  Barbadoes  trade,  that  there 
was  not  one  third  of  the  rum  imported  that  was  usual,  the  peo- 
ple being  forced  to  use  little  but  spirits  drawn  here,  because  of 
the  great  drought  the  year  before  in  that  island.  Nor  have  I 
yet  finished  with  Samuel  Holt,  he  being  forced  to  get  in  most 
of  his  notes  by  discount,  partly  through  the  scarcity  of  money, 
but  more  for  the  reason  given  before ;  I  mean  the  opposition 
given  to  government,  to  which,  notwithstanding,  he  was  a  well- 
wisher;  yet  I  cannot  say  but  that  he  proved  a  faithful  officer,  and 
much  better  than  most  that  it  has  been  thy  fortune  to  meet  with. 
H.  Mallows,  who  had  a  commission  about  the  excise  and  jniser- 
ably  fooled  it,  proved  no  better  in  that  than  in  some  other  of 
his  duties. 

The  subscriptions  in  this  county  and  Bucks  have  been  but 
very  poorly  answered  :  in  Chester  something  better,  but  there 
is  much  behind  yet  in  most  places  ;  but  I  shall  get  the  greatest 
part  in  by  some  means  or  other,  and  when  done,  shall  send  an 
account  of  it  with  the  other.  They  will  scarce  pay  anything 
but  wheat  or  flour :  such  a  drug  now  that  it  can  find  but  few 
buyers,  being  so  very  low  in  the  West  Indies. 

The  account  of  thy  circumstances  there,  and  the  exigencies  I 
know  thou  must  labor  under  there,  with  the  difficulties  I  am 
oppressed  with  here,  through  the  great  decay  of  trade  and 
poverty  of  the  planters,  from  whom  chiefly  we  receive  our  pay, 
makes  my  life  so  uncomfortable,  that  it  is  not  worth  the  living : 
I  am  ground  on  all  sides.  I  know  't  is  impossible  to  satisfy 
thee  thus,  and  the  condition  of  our  affairs  will  not  enable  me 
to  do  better.  I  hope  thou  hast  received  something  considerable 
from  Barbadoes,  having  shipped  thither  these  last  two  years  to 
the  value  of  about  ^900,  which  went  all  safe,  and  the  most  of  it 
to  indifferent  markets,  though  now  there  is  no  encouragement. 
John  Guy  also,  from  Carolina,  is  intended  home  in  this  fleet,  of 
whose  brigantine,  called  the  Robert  and  Benjamin,  seven  twenty- 
fourths  is  thine.     W.  Trent  and  Isaac  Norris  have  each  the  like 


1704]  CORRESPONDENCE.  289 

share,  and  the  master  one-eighth.  We  designed  -to  load  her 
home  with  rice,  on  thine,  W.  Trent's,  and  I.  Norris's  account, 
each  one  third ;  but  finding  freight  there  was  very  high,  and 
that  that  would  turn  to  better  advantage,  have  ordered  him  to 
take  what  he  could  get  out  of  that,  filling  her  up  with  our  own 
goods,  and  sending  the  rest  of  our  effects  in  proper  merchan- 
dise thither.  This,  if  she  come  safe,  will  make  2  or  ^^"300  ster- 
ling, at  least,  for  thy  share  ;  and  would  rice  have  answered  well, 
might,  if  loaded,  as  intended,  wholly  by  the  owners,  have  made 
;^4CX)  thy  share ;  goes  consigned  with  Isaac  Norris's  to  John 
Askew.  I  shipped  last  fall  £j(^  on  thy  account  to  Antigua, 
by  Nicholas  Braddich,  who  is  taken  into  Martinico,  with  i^6o 
on  my  own  account,  being  my  first  adventure  of  the  kind.  'Tis 
thy  first  loss  to  the  West  Indies  of  eleven  consignments  sent 
since  thy  departure,  of  which,  nine  to  Barbadoes,  and  one  to 
Jamaica  of  .about  ^60,  to  Rogers  and  Mills,  who  are  both  dead 
since ;  but  care  is  taken,  we  hope,  to  secure  their  concerns,  and 
I  have  wrote  pressingly  about  it. 

If  the  ArchdukQ  succeed  in  Spain,  these  countries  may  rise 
again,  but  otherwise  they  seem  sinking,  as  doubtless  the  con- 
federates' affairs  must  everywhere.  I  know  of  no  way  left  but 
by  way  of  trade,  to  drive  returns,  round  about,  as  opportunity 
offer;  for  a  trade  to  Barbadoes,  if  from  thence  with  rum  to  Vir- 
ginia and  Maryland  to  purchase  bills  there,  has  done  well ;  but 
they  have  this  spring  laid  9d.  per  gal.  on  rum  imported  by  us, 
which  will  prove  a  great  discouragement;  and  their  bills  the 
two  last  years  have  failed  exceedingly.  Wm.  Trent  and  Isaac 
Norris  are  the  most  thriving  men  with  us ;  and  I  endeavor  to 
act  in  concert  with  them,  but  having  no  way  to  get  either  money 
or  goods  from  England,  with  which  they  make  their  business 
circulate,  lays  me  under  the  greatest  disadvantage.  There  is 
another  way,  which  last  year  would  have  done,  viz.,  shipping 
wheat  to  Madeira  for  wine  to  be  carried  to  Barbadoes,  and 
bringing  rum  thence ;  for  flour  at  12s.  6d.  per  cwt.  there,  and 
freight  ;^8  per  ton,  will  not  answer.  Pray  give  thy  orders  in 
general,  to  be  either  positive  or  discretionary.  I  would  not  act 
rashly,  but  with  the  best  advice  and  concurrence.  If  I  can  pay 
some  debts  I  contracted  in  purchasing  and  fitting  out  the  brig- 

VOL.  I.  —  20 


290  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

antine,  &c.,  and  answer  \Vm.  Aubrey's  attorneys  this  summer, 
it  will  be  all  I  can  pretend  to  d  ),  unless  it  be  by  shipping  some 
small  matter  to  the  islands,  as  we  have  advices  that  it  may 
answer;  for  money  I  cannot  get:  what  little  there  is,  lies  in 
the  traders'  hands.  The  country,  from  whom  I  must  receive,  can 
get  none :  the  effects  of  their  plantations  will  scarce  buy  them 
clothes,  which  they  take  of  the  sloops  in  exchange.  I  know 
not  what  we  shall  do  about  the  Susquehanna  subscriptions :  we 
may  have  particular  bonds  renewed  by  many,  which  will  bring 
interest ;  but  were  the  country  people  ever  so  willing,  nay,  were 
it  to  redeem  their  lives,  they  cannot  now  raise  money.  People 
are  generally  well  inclined,  and  better  pleased  than  ever  I  knew 
them  before,  since  the  first  great  assembly  after  our  arrival. 
Bonds  will  bring  interest;  and  if  times  mend,  money  and  this 
interest  will  discharge  interest  elsewhere.  I  assure  thee  thou 
needs  not  press  Letitia's  business.  I  shall  take  all  the  care 
that  is  possible,  and  sell  upon  bonds  rather  than  fail.  The  town 
lot,  to  be  sure,  must  all  go,  but  of  the  manor  we  may  reserve  a 
piece,  unless  some  chapman  would  buy  the  whole.  If  T.  C. 
would  agree  with  William  Aubrey,  it  might  do  well.  Thou 
knowest  the  land  as  fully  as  I  can  inform  thee. 

Thou  orders  50,000  acres  to  be  laid  out  for  Sir  Robert  Fagg, 
which  Mr.  William  says  Was  in  trust  for  his  mother;  if  so,  there 
is  3,000  already  laid  out  in  one  tract,  and  one  half  of  it  con- 
firmed to  thy  daughter;  the  other  thy  son  craves,  and  will  have 
it.  This  thy  daughter  may  hold,  if  she  please,  unless  entirely 
cut  off  by  the  settlement.  I  wrote  long  ago  to  W.  Aubrey  about 
it,  not  knowing  thou  was  obliged  to  ;^2,000  only.  Pray  order 
how  it  shall  be.  She  has  a  firm  patent  from  thy  own  hand,  &c. 
Please  to  remember  that  no  verbal  concessions  will  cut  off  legal 
deeds  when  suffered  to  lie  to  posterity,  and  particularly  in  the 
business  of  the  company. 

Thomas  Roberts  is  dead,  and  there  are  so  many  under  leases 
that  they  cannot  be  bought  out.  Johnny's'  lands  are  1,200 
acres  at  Mahanatawny,^  including  his  grandfather's  5,000,  and 

*  The  proprrietor's  son,  born  in  Philadelphia.  — L. 

*  Maxatawny  township.  —  L. 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  29I 

there  is  10,000  confirmed  to  him  and  the  children,  had  by  his 
mother,  lying  somewhere  above  the  highlands,  but  what  it  is 
worth  I  know  not.  I  shall  pick  out  some  convenient  spots  for 
them  wherever  to  be  had,  but  think  it  very  unadvisable  to  make 
any  settlements,  therefore  request  to  be  excused,  as  well  as  build- 
ing a  lodge  at  Fair  Mount ;  all  that  understand  the  affairs  of  the 
country  and  that  I  have  spoke  to  advise  against  it  as  a  great  ab- 
surdity:  settlements  I  mean.  I  am  about  building  a  mill  on  a 
great  spring  at  Rokonk,^  on  500  acres  reserved  there,  which 
will  make  both  that  and  the  adjacent  lands  valuable.  It  is  of  a 
new  fashion  that  has  done  exceeding  well  here,  and  will  not 
cost  above  forty  or  fifty  pounds :  this  shall  be  for  him  thou  pleases 
to  name.  I  have  saved  for  Tommy  ^  a  good  lot  of  100  feet,  the 
next  above  Edward  Shippen's,  and  which  comes  down  to  the 
dock,  the  most  conveniently  of  any  there :  and  the  better  to 
secure  it,  have  leased  it  to  Edward  for  twenty-one  years,  making 
the  reversion  expressly  as  I  said  before.  I  designed  to  build  a 
granary  on  part  of  that  slip  that  comes  down  to  the  dock,  but 
shall  forbear  it  this  year;  I  intended  also  to  have  begged  a 
small  slip  of  it  for  a  warehouse  to  myself,  in  case  I  should  ever 
be  able,  by  my  services,  to  make  use  of  such  a  thing  hereafter  : 
but  it  might  draw  envy,  perhaps,  to  let  it  be  seen  I  ever  got  any 
thing,  and  for  this  reason,  perhaps,  cannot  yet  be  a  freeholder 
in  the  province.  I  return  thee  hearty  thanks  for  thy  kind  present 
of  a  wig,  but  wearing  my  own  hair  ever  since  thy  departure, 
makes  it  the  less  useful.  Griffith  Owen,  as  was  his  due,  taking 
his  choice  of  the  hats,  he  had  the  least,  and  therefore  the  larger 
no  way  fitting  me,  I  presented  it  in  thy  name  to  Caleb  Pusey, 
who  kindly  accepted  and  wears  it  for  the  donor. 

I  shall  take  all  the  care  I  possibly  can  for  those  thou  recom- 
mends to  me,  but  being  much  exposed  to  the  attacks  of  all  those 
that  seek  to  wound  thee,  my  only  security  is  impartial  justice, 
under  the  shield  of  which  it  is  I  have  boldly  defied  some  ma- 
licious men,  who  have  this  assembly  attempted  to  impeach  me 

*  [Or  Thokonk:  it  is  impossible  to  decide  which.  —  Editor.] 
'  W.  Penn's  second  son,  by  his  second  wife  :  afterwards  one  of  the 
proprietors.  —  L. 


292  PEXX    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

of  wronging  the  people,  not  high  fees  I  assure  thee,  for  I  have 
never  yet  been  charged  for  that;  but  of  being  too  severe  in 
some  points  in  thy  behalf,  which  I  cannot  now  desire  thee  to 
believe  whilst  returns  come  in  no  faster.  Please  to  let  Thomas 
Callowhill  know  T.  Brock's  wife  is  dead,  and  I  am  afraid  that 
fellow  will  shuffle  me  at  last;  I  have  used  both  fair  and  foul 
words  :  he  promises  well,  but  performs  nothing.  I  cannot  write 
to  himself  (T.  C.)  this  opportunity.  I  shall  get  Nelson's,  &c. 
land  laid  out,  but  M.  Martindale  never  had  a  lot  that  I  knew 
of;  there  is  one,  however,  left,  and  shall  lay  it  there.  R.  Snead's 
land  in  the  Welsh  tract  is  mostly  given  up  among  the  Inevou- 
chets,^  but  there  is  still  left  about  7  or  800  acres  there  and  on 
Skuykill,  (Schuylkill,)  his  attorneys  agreed  to  this,  and  in  such 
cases  we  must  request  thee  to  press  no  further  for  thy  friends 
than  for  others,  when  there  is  one  rule  of  justice  by  which  we 
must  steer,  or  can  never  bear  up  our  heads  for  thine  or  our  own 
reputation.  At  Pennsbury,  John  is  very  industrious,  and  of 
working  at  his  trade"  is  an  abuse  upon  him.  The  plantation 
clears  itself  all  but  John's  wages.  He  complains  he  had  not  ten 
acres  cleared  fit  for  service  at  thy  departure,  but  since  has  im- 
proved above  forty,  and  if  well  followed  the  fruit  of  his  labors 
will  appear  hereafter,  though  for  the  present  not  so  fully.  He 
would  fain  leave  it:  the  low  price  of  wheat  is  a  discouragement 
there  as  in  other  places.  I  have  sent  what  I  can  get  about  the 
Spaniard,  and  the  trials  thou  desired.  I  can  give  no  account  of 
overpluses  yet,  the  returns  of  resurveys  not  being  completed,  a 
commission  to  the  council  is  necessary  in  case  of  the  governor's 
death.  P.  Parmyter  will  be  troublesome  I  doubt.  Pray  send  the 
bills  carefully  protested.  I  know  not  what  is  meant  by  a  copy 
of  the  laws  thou  desires,  being  sent  long  ago.  Lowering  the 
coin  without  regard  to  contracts  is  unjust  and  will  not  be  ob- 
served by  the  people.  Thy  interest  is  not  concerned  in  it  much, 
or  if  it  were  it  is  still  unjust.  What  other  directions  there  are 
in  thy  letters  shall  observe,  concluding  now  with  love  and  ser- 
vice to  thyself       Thy  faithful  and  obedient        James  Logan. 

'  [Sic.  — Editor.] 

^  Or,  those  who  had  represented  him  as  neglecting  tne  care  of  the 
proprietor's  place,  in  order  to  work  at  his  trade,  wrongfully  charge 
him.  —  L. 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  293 


James  Logan  to  Jonathan  Dickinson. 

Philadelphia,  \2th  ^h-mo.,  1704. 
Jonathan  Dickinson  —  Dear  Friend  :  — I  cannot  without  some 
sense  of  shame  set  about  writing  to  thee  now  of  necessity,  hav- 
ing so  long  deferred  it,  when  my  inclinations  without  any  other 
inducement  not  only  should,  I  confess,  but  have  often  led  me  to 
it,  had  not  other  interposition  always  diverted  me.  The  neces- 
sity I  now  speak  of  is  I.  Norris's  absence  upon  this  vessel's  de- 
parture. He  went  about  fourteen  days  ago  with  his  brother  Hill 
and  sister  Del,  with  two  women  friends  from  England,  and  sev- 
eral others  from  hence  to  Maryland  yearly  meeting,  and  at  his 
departure  ordered  his  last  to  thee  to  be  copied,  which  is  the  in- 
closed, and  one  barrel  of  white  bread  to  be  loaded  on  board  R. 
Brereton,  per  whom  this  comes,  for  thy  own  use,  for  which 
inclosed  also  is  the  captain's  receipt,  and  craves  that  it  may 
find  thy  acceptance.  I  know  not  what  news  to  inform  thee  of  ; 
we  are  too  inconsiderable  to  be  taken  notice  of  otherwise  than 
as  persons  are  particularly  concerned  with  us,  and  where  thy 
greatest  of  the  kind  lies.  I  shall  acquaint  thee  that  thy  two 
rugged  boys  are  very  lusty,  and  love  the  river  much  better  this 
hot  weather  than  their  master's  countenance,  and  the  fields  and 
boats  fare  before  schools  or  books ;  they  are  more  tenderly 
dealt  with,  I  am  confident  of  it,  than  they  would  be  by  their  own 
mother,  by  one  that  is  but  too  affectionate,  and  who  most  eagerly 
desires  her  care  should  be  succeeded  by  her  to  whom  nature  has 
given  a  nearer  and  stronger  right.  This  for  thy  children,  the 
next  for  thy  estate  visible.  S.  Preston  and  I.  Norris,  thy  attor- 
neys, design  to  propose  to  the  assembly,  that  is  to  sit  next 
week,  to  have  some  act  passed  for  securing  the  neighborhood 
from  the  ruin  that  seems  to  impend  from  the  adjoining  tottering 
great  fabric  ;  what  may  be  affected  in  it  I  know  not,  but  't  is 
thought  very  necessary  as  well  upon  account  of  the  house  itself, 
as  more  particularly  of  the  people's  lives  in  it,  who  now  in  every 
great  wind  and  rain  are  in  apparent  danger.  The  assembly 
of  the  province  is  entirely  separated  from  the  lower  counties, 
from  which  some  expect  good,  many  fear  harm,  which  is  the 


294  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

most  probable.  It  has  been  hoped  our  people  when  by  them- 
selves, as  now,  would  proceed  vigorously  for  the  public  good, 
the  clog  of  the  territories  being  removed  ;  but  I  fear  their  jeal- 
ousies and  impracticable  temper  peculiar  to  our  folks  will  be  but 
a  means  to  expose  them  more  to  the  censures  of  their  ill-wishers. 
We  are  happy  in  a  very  good  governor,  a  young  man,  but  very 
discreet,  who  is  armed  with  full  power,  both  from  the  Crown 
and  the  proprietor. 

This  day  fortnight,  being  the  day  before  friend  departed,  thy 
wife's  good  friend  and  acquaintance,  Martha  Hoskins,  changed 
that  name  to  Claypoole,  and  now  sweet  Debby  is  left  for  some 
time  to  lie  alone ;  who  will  fill  up  the  place  I  cannot  be  positive, 
though  I  cannot  say  I  am  without  wishes  if  these  would  effect 
it.  Poor,  honest  Col.  Markham  this  morning  ended  a  miserable 
life  by  a  seasonable  release  in  a  fit  of  his  old  distemper,  that 
seized  his  vitals.  I  know  not  what  else  to  add,  besides  that  we 
are  all  well  and  heartily  wish  you  as  happy,  though  we  are  some- 
times apprehensive  of  the  contrary,  and  earnestly  desiring,  if  it 
might  be  the  will  of  God,  once  more  to  be  comforted  with  your 
presence  here  again,  which  I  assure  thee  is  desired  by  none 
with  more  sincerity  than  by         Thy  affectionate  friend, 

James  Logan. 

My  kind  love  to  thy  wife,  &c.  I  cannot  procure  the  receipt 
mentioned,  I.  Norris's  man  being  gone  out  of  the  way.  The 
cask  is  marked  "  No.  I.  U."     I  have  found  it. 

Addressed  :  "  To  Jonath'n  Dickerson,  Merch't,  in  Jamaica." 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan, 

\oth  e^th-mo.,  1704. 
I  am  larger  by  this  opportunity  by  another  hand.  I  hear 
nothing  from  Barbadoes,  Jamaica,  or  Carolina,  &c.,  nor  had  a 
penny  thence,  since  thine  of  lobr.,  nor  any  letter  from  thee.  A 
letter  goes  from  the  Council  of  Trade,  &c.,  to  Col.  Quary,  to 
quell  his   fury  and  exhort  to  moderation  at   large,  and  particu- 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  295 

larly  to  respect  the  government  and  magistracy.  I  have  no- 
thing else  new.  See  what  I  have  writ  to  Samuel  Carpenter 
and  Edward  Shippen,  and  my  son  will  show  thee  his,  and  so 
the  deputy  governor.     Vale. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

London,  11th  ^th-mo.,  1704. 

Since  thine  of  the  loth-mo.  last,  now  7  months  ago,  not  one 
scrip  of  paper  has  come  from  thee  to  me,  nor  indeed  to  any  else, 
save  that  Daniel  Zachary  was  so  kind  as  to  intimate  to  me  my 
son's  and  the  lieutenant  governor's  safe  arrival,  by  one  from 
Isaac  Norris,  and  by  Isaac's  to  John  Askew,  which,  though  very 
obliging  in  him  and  joyful  to  us,  yet  we  sorrowed  a  little  that 
anybody  should  write  and  not  the  secretary  of  the  place  be 
present  enough  to  write  to  his  principal  under  these  extraordi- 
nary circumstances,  and  upon  such  an  occasion.  I,  otherwise 
troubled  and  ashamed,  and  John  Askew,  take  it  that  thou  as 
well  as  my  son  and  lieutenant  governor  had  sent  by  way  of  Bar- 
badoes,  from  whence  no  vessel  has  arrived,  where  the  packet  is 
looked  upon  as  the  best  way  of  conveyance.  The  letter  of 
Isaac  Norris  being  but  duplicate  and  sent  by  way  of  Boston, 
where  they  imagined  something  might  have  prolonged  the  man- 
of-war's  stay,  though  very  small  hope  is  of  it.  In  short,  the 
silence  has  been  so  long,  by  means  of  winter  also,  that  't  is  un- 
easy, and  gives  a  disrepute  to  the  country. 

I  have  little  to  say  more  than  former  letters  express. 

1ST,  Conduct. —  Give  no  occasion  to  exceptions  or  reflections, 
and  value  them  not  when  made  or  thrown  without  .a  cause,  but 
command  thy  temper  all  that  is  possible  in  doing  thy  business, 
for  in  Joseph  Pike's  case  thou  hast  been  hardly  represented  to 
him,  and  surely  he  is  provoked  at  thee,  and  displeased  with  me, 
of  which  more  by  another  hand  upon  the  spot.  I  know  whence 
the  arrow  came  ;  'tis  provoking;  but  this  is  the  cross  we  are 
to  bear  to  prove  ourselves  Christians  indeed.  Whatever  thou 
doest,  give  no  offence,  be  not  high-minded,  but  fear:  I  take  the 


296  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

lesson  to  myself;  we  all  need  an  holy  and  daily  remembrance 
of  it. 

Col.  Quary.  —  Letters  are  gone  to  him  from  the  Board  of 
Trade  and  Plantations,  and  also  little  Perry  his  support,  to  mod- 
derate  his  conduct  and  carry  respectfully  to  the  government  and 
magistracy,  only  being  careful  about  his  station.  I  promised  to 
write  to  you  to  be  as  discreet  on  your  part  and  careful  not  to 
wink  at  forbidden  trades,  which  I  have  done  to  governor  and 
council  and  particular  members,  and  renew  my  caution  by  this 
to  thee. 

Bank  Lots.  —  Till  further  orders  I  will  have  no  bank  lots  sold, 
and  never  the  20s.  per  lot  on  any  account.  Pray  mind  this  ;  I 
have  good  reasons  for  it  at  present. 

Jo.  LuMBY  AND  OwNERS.  —  There  is  one  John  Pecket  and 
Company  concerned  with  or  in  Lumby's  ship  and  cargo,  that 
want  some  money  there  in  prosecution  of  Col.  Quary,  for  which 
they  will  pay  me  here.  Furnish  them  ;  it  will  be  but  a  small 
matter  of  twenty  or  thirty  pounds,  be  it  as  it  will,  remembering 
that  upon  bills  that  the  Queen  by  proclamation  now  sent  thee 
has  settled  the  coin  at  £2^  per  ct.  according  to  New  England 
standard,  and  would  have  done  it  to  English  sterling,  but  for 
the  late  king's  confirming  their  rates  for  money,  which  extends 
all  over  America. 

Rent-roll.  —  I  am  at  so  great  a  want  for  a  rent-roll  that  I 
must  press  it,  that  if  not  sent  already,  as  in  thy  last  thou  prom- 
ised per  thy  next,  fail  not  to  send  it  to  me  per  first  vessel  that 
comes  away  from  your  parts. 

Governor's  Spanish  Dog.  —  Chancellor  Parnell  and  Doctor 
Hedgbury  almost  clamor  on  Peter  Evans,  the  governor's  cousin 
and  clerk,  who  stole  him  away,  that  I  desire  thee  to  advise  them 
to  send  him  over,  or  to  make  a  good  apology  for  not  doing  it. 

Open  Trade.  —  I  am  assured  of  an  open  trade  with  the  Span- 
iards as  much  as  ever  in  the  West  Indies,  if  not  already  opened : 
not  that  risks  are  not  run  as  before  the  war,  but  that  there  shall 
be  none  on  our  parts  from  ourselves  I  read  the  draft. 

Skins  and  Furs.  —  I  have  also  been  particular  about  the  furs; 
pray  be  not  so  ill  used  by  anybody.  The  skins  last  sent  were 
sold  to  advantage. 


1704..]  CORRESPONDENCE.  297 

Supplies.  —  I  desire  thy  utmost  care  to  get  a  reasonable  reve- 
nue settled  for  the  government,  particularly  for  the  governor; 
our  laws  now  lie  for  a  good  fee  to  the  attorney-general,  fifty 
guineas  at  the  least. 

I  have  told  thee  that  nothing  is  come  of  the  bills  of  lading, 
but  what  came  directly,  and  I  wish  the  deaths  of  W.  R.  and  I. 
M.  prove  not  a  loss  to  me,  though  poor  I.  Mills  sent  me  word 
the  goods  sold  pretty  well,  and  he  would  take  special  care  of 
remitting  me  the  effects  per  first  opportunity,  about  fourteen 
days  after  W.  R.'s  death,  and  died  himself  in  ten  days,  I  think, 
after  the  date  of  his  to  me.  Write,  as  I  shall,  to  Jonathan  Dick- 
inson about  it,  pray. 

Laws.  —  Be  sure  the  very  next  assembly  to  let  the  laws  pass 
with  the  Queen's  name,  though  under  my  seal,  according  to 
charter,  the  attorney-general  making  the  want  thereof  an  ugly 
objection  against  the  confirming  them,  though  a  good  fee  would 
go  a  great  way  to  clear  the  scruple,  if  I  had  it  to  give  him  ;  for 
what  with  the  decay  of  Ireland,  half  at  present,  and  the. loss 
of  tvvo  ships,  nothing  coming  in  from  the  islands  and  Carolina, 
with  4s.  in  ^i  here,  my  son's  part  of  the  estate,  and  the  interest 
money  I  have  to  pay;  so  that,  with  all  these  drawbacks,  I  live 
but  from  hand  to  mouth,  and  hardly  that. 

Returning  to  America.  —  Thou  urgest  my  return  ;  but  alas  ! 
how  is  it  good,  since  to  save  my  estate  here  to  discharge 
debts,  I  eat  up  what  I  have  there,  as  the  best  returns  ?  But 
I  want  water  to  launch  rny  vessel.  Think  of  that ;  as  also 
if  I  'am  not  worthy  of  a  house  in  or  near  town,  such  as  Griffith 
Owen's,  T,  Fairman's  or  Daniel  Pegg's,  or  the  like,  that  500 
of  your  money,  or  perhaps  600  at  most,  may  purchase  for  my 
reception,  and  at  least  500  per  annum  to  take  there  besides  my 
own  rents.  I  have  spent  all  my  days,  moneys,  pains,  and  in- 
terest, to  a  mean  purpose.  Think  of  this,  and  impart  it.  They 
will  all  get  by  it  as  well  as  myself 

Churchill's  Books.  —  Pray  write  to  him,  and  give  him  some 
account  of  them,  that  he  may  not  have  reason  to  reflect  through 
his  own  act,  not  ours. 

T.  Brooks's  Widow.  —  My  father  Callowhill  wishes  my  care 


298  PENN  AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

would  not  let  him  be  an  entire  loser  by  her  death.     He   has 
been  a  great  one  on  account  of  the  country. 

Remember  what  I  wrote  about  Roberts's  lot. 

Pennsbury.  —  Let  me  not  be  put  to  more  charges  there,  but 
only  to  keep  it  in  repair,  and  that  its  produce  may  maintain  it. 

Woods.  —  I  hope  there  is  an  effectual  care  taken  of  my  woods, 
that  they  be  not  destroyed,  near  the  city  especially. 

Our  Health.  —  I  bless  the  Lord  I  and  all  mine  are  well,  or 
were  lately  so,  including  my  son's.  I  have  writ  to  him,  and  two 
letters  go  by  this  opportunity  from  his  wife.  I  send  no  n&ws, 
but,  except  Germany,  things  look  but  ill  as  to  the  war;  yet  the 
Duke  of  Marlborough  is  in  a  great  way  to  preserve  the  empire^ 
that  before  was  very  low. 

I  hope  my  son  in  some  way  answers  my  expectation,  and 
those  he  gave  at  parting  more  especially. 

Do  thy  endeavor,  I  desire  thee,  that  he  may  be  my  comfort 
and  honor  while  I  live. 

Seal.  —  The  engraver  will  send  directions  that  will  render  it 
with  thee  sufficient.  He  says  it  is  for  want  of  a  better  under- 
standing it.  So,  with  my  dear  love  to  all  friends,  and  the 
moderate  of  others,  with  thyself  and  thy  family,  I  close. 

Thy  affectionate  and  real  friend,  William  Penn. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  i^th  <,ih-mo.,  1704. 

Opportunities  now  proving  rare,  I  shall  embrace  all  appear- 
ances of  them  to  inform  thee  of  our  circumstances,  though  be- 
cause of  their  great  uncertainty  I  shall  be  brief. 

Third-month  last  I  sent  per  Al.  Paxton,  in  the  Virginia  fleet,  a 
packet,  with  minutes  of  council  and  several  papers  at  large, 
which  I  hope  will  come  to  hand.  Since  that  time  the  assembly 
has  met  again,  but  have  done  nothing  besides  presenting  to  the 
governor  a  bill  for  confirmation  of  the  charter  of  privileges, 
upon  the  separation  of  the  territories,  explaining  all  things  that 
appeared  doubtful  their  own  way,  making  the  annual  assemblies 
to  continue  from  election  to  election,  with  the  power  of  adjourn- 


I704.J  CORRESPONDENCE.  299 

merits.  New  elections  upon  false  returns,  or  ejectment  of  mem- 
bers, to  be  entirely  within  themselves,  excluding  the  governor 
from  any  power  of  dissolution  or  prorogation,  and  prescribing 
the  qualification  of  their  members  to  be  by  taking  the  declara- 
tions directed  by  the  laws  of  England  to  be  taken  by  such  as 
cannot  swear  at  all ;  and  upon  this  they  adjourned  to  the  ist  of 
the  6th-mo.,  after  harvest,  and  are  in  the  mean  time  to  proceed 
by  committees  upon  other  affairs  of  importance.  They  have 
voted  to  raise  a  thousand  pounds  for  public  services,  but  intend, 
I  doubt,  to  sell  it  very  dear.  Judge  Mompesson  has  been  here 
during  their  late  sittings,  and  of  great  service  in  council,  but 
going  to  New  York,  as  he  said,  for  a  few  days,  has  not  returned 
yet,  nor  I  fear  intends  it,  to  stay  with  us,  Bridges,  the  chief 
justice  there,  being  lately  dead,  whose  place  't  is  expected  he 
will  supply.  He  seems  to  be  tired  of  us,  as  we  have  reason  to 
be  of  ourselves,  all  things  (Considered.  In  short,  I  see  little  to 
be  expected  here  that  should  incline  thee  to  defer  accepting  of 
good  terms  one  hour  after  they  are  offered.  This  people 
think  privileges  their  due,  and  all  that  can  be  grasped  to  be 
their  native  right ;  but  when  dispensed  with  too  liberal  hand, 
may  prove  their  greatest  unhappiness.  Charters  here  have 
been,  or  I  doubt  will  be,  of  fatal  consequence:  some  people's 
brains  are  as  soon  intoxicated  with  power  as  the  natives  are 
with  their  beloved  liquor,  and  as  little  to  be  trusted  with  it. 
They  think  it  their  business  to  secure  themselves  against  a 
queen's  government;  but  then  their  privileges,  could  they  ob- 
tain them,  may  prove  as  troublesome  and  opposite  to  the  public 
good  as  now.  A  well-tempered  mixture  in  government  is  the 
happiest,  the  greatest  liberty ;  and  property  and  commonwealth 
men,  invested  with  power,  have  been  seen  to  prove  the  greatest 
tyrants. 

The  governor  is  at  present  very  ill  with  the  cholica  pictorium, 
in  no  wise  owing,  I  believe,  to  what  is  commonly  accounted  the 
cause  of  it,  intemperance. 

There  are  three  good  companies  of  the  militia  in  town,  under 
Capt.  Roche,  late  of  Antigua,  young  Capt.  Finney,  and  Capt. 
Lowther ;  but  the  old  party  still  are  at  all  endeavors  to  discour- 
age it,  for  now  great  part  of  the  church  are  become  of  the  loyal 


300  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

side,  and  'tis  hoped  will  shortly  address  the  Queen,  no  way  to 
the  advantage  of  the  uneasy  gentlemen:  thy  son  hopes  to  carry 
it  over  and  see  it  presented.  Were  all  our  own  people  as  rea- 
sonable as  some  others  might  be  induced  to  be,  we  might  live 
much  more  easy. 

The  governor  at  present  lodges  at  said  Capt.  Finney's,  the 
sheriff  of  this  county,  but  intends,  if  he  can  acquit  himself  of 
an  engagement  with  Robert  Asheton,  to  make  one  of  our  family 
in  William  Clark's  house  in  Chestnut  Street,  which  we  were 
forced  to  take,  the  whole  town  not  affording  any  suitable  accom- 
modation to  thy  son  as  a  boarder ;  those  that  were  able  declin- 
ing the  trouble,  and  others  not  being  fit  to  accept  it.  We  have 
now  been  in  it  a  month,  having  continued  till  then  at  Isaac  Nor- 
ris's,  whose  wife,  though  very  obliging,  could  not  bear  so  consider- 
able an  addition  to  the  burden  of  her  family,  especially  of  her  chil- 
dren, tender,  now  six  in  number,  and  small.  Samuel  Carpenter 
is  retired  wholly  to  his  plantation.  Edward  Shippen's  wife  is 
too  humorsome,  and  it  suited  not  his  son's  circumstances  to  be 
with  him. 

I  lie  under  a  great  hardship  for  want  of  a  more  full  adjust- 
ment of  matters  in  relation  to  his  supplies  here.  Before  he 
left  England  he  threw  himself,  he  says,  entirely  upon  thy  gen- 
erosity, and  therefore  resents  it  the  more  nearly  when  I  am  not 
able  to  come  up  to  his  expectations,  which,  though  far  from  ex- 
travagance, are  yet  much  above  the  limits  set  me.  The  direc- 
tions given  me  can  by  no  means  satisfy  him,  nor  answer  what 
is  thought  suitable  to  the  presumptive  heir  of  the  province  upon 
his  first  appearance  in  it,  even  by  the  most  reasonable.  He  ex- 
presses himself  dutifully  to  thee,  but,  notwithstanding,  it  forces 
him  on  thoughts  that  render  his  visit  of  less  service  to  him.  It 
proves  a  hardship  upon  me  between  both,  but  I  shall  endeavor 
the  best,  though  in  so  nice  a  point  I  do  not  expect  the  success 
of  pleasing  either. 

We  have  lately  received  advices  that  the  Queen  has  granted 
her  subjects  liberty  to  trade  with  the  Spanish  West  Indies,  which 
't  is  possible,  if  it  succeed,  may  prove  of  advantage  to  these 
parts.  All  depends  on  the  archduke's  success,  from  which, 
according  to  present  appearances,  I  doubt  there  is  but  little  to 


1704]  CORRESPONDENCE.  3OI 

be  expected,  and  if  that  comes  to  nothing,  so  I  fear  will  the 
English   dominions  in   America.     I  wish  they  may  stand  else- 
where;  as  things  are  now,  we  lie  under  the  greatest  discourage- 
ments.    The  country  has  scarce  anything  to  pay,  and  all  means 
of  returns,  could  we  receive  our  effects,  are  cut  of,  except  it  be  by 
sending  our  goods  to  Barbadoes  to  be  sold  at  less  than  half  cost 
here,  and  returned  in  rum,  to  purchase  bills  in  Maryland,  which 
now  also  are  dangerous  and  require  great  caution,  but  it  is  the 
only  trade  now  left  us  to  purchase  Engljsh  goods  by,  and  when 
successful,  has  been  profitable,  their  goods  being  very  low  there, 
and  bearing  some  price  here ;  but  the  risk  is  great,  through  the 
great  number  of  Martinico  privateers:  they  have  this  war  taken 
above   150   sail  of  English,  four  of  ours:  another  large  sloop 
belonging  to  Isaac  Norris,  Samuel  Carpenter,  &c.,  the  last  stick 
that  Samuel  was  concerned  in  at  sea,  was  taken   in  her  return 
hither  by  a  large  privateer  of  St  Maloes  coming  from  the  Havan- 
na,  called  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  and  being  bought  off  again  for;i^8oo 
sterling,  came  a  few  days  ago  into  Maryland.     Capt.  Puckle  we 
believe  is  lost,  the  vessels  that  came  out  in  company  with  him 
being  arrived  in  Boston  and  Maryland  some  weeks  ago ;  if  so, 
it  will  be   the   greatest  blow  this   country  has  received  of  the 
kind.     She  is  deep  laden  and  rich,  we  are  told,  and  goods  have 
not  been  known  scarcer  here,  there  being  nothing  arrived  this 
year  from  England. 

I  have  lately  wrote  four  several  ways  to  John  Askew  to  insure 
;^300  on  thy  account  on  John  Guy  from  Carolina,  some  of  which 
must  needs  come  to  hand.  Isaac  Norris  has  done  the  same,  as 
William  Trent  also  to  his  correspondent  T.  Coutts.  I  know  not 
what  to  say  of  that  vessel :  when  that  voyage  was  projected, 
nothing  could  promise  better,  there  being  a  great  probability  of 
making  our  money  sterling,  but  instead  of  that  nothing  could 
have  happened  worse ;  in  her  return  to  Carolina  she  met  with 
southerly  winds  which  kept  her  long  on  her  voyage,  and  the 
commodore  of  the  Virginia  fleet,  through  an  unaccountable 
humor,  sailing  much  sooner  than  was  expected,  and  by  that 
means  leaving  many  of  the  vessels  under  his  charge  behind  him, 
our  vessel  could  not  fail  of  the  same  unhappiness ;  we  then  had 
hopes  the  other  two  men-of-war  intended  to  be  sent  to  join  and 


302  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

Strengthen  the  Virginia  convoy,  missing  the  other,  might  arrive 
and  prove  a  second,  for  the  vessels  left  behind;  but  meeting  the 
fleet  about  ten  leagues  from  the  capes  at  sea,  the  commodore 
obliged  them  to  return,  without  the  privilege  of  refreshing  them- 
selves with  wood  or  water,  or  landing  any  of  their  passengers  ex- 
cept eight,  who  bought  one  of  their  pinnaces  and  in  that  ventured 
ashore.  By  these  means  there  is  not  any  probability  of  any 
convoy  again  from  these  parts  this  year,  and  it  was  upon  this 
we  wrote  for  insurance, .as  before  ;  but  now  we  much  fear  whether 
it  will  be  possible  to  persuade  the  master  to  sail,  or  to  get  men 
to  go  home,  and  that,  instead  of  sailing  directly  from  Virginia, 
according  to  our  orders,  which  there  wait  him,  he  will  come  in 
hither. 

We  have  ddvices  from  our  factor,  there  is  loaded  on  the 
joint  account  150  barrels  of  rice,  and  200  of  pitch,  and  some 
goods  we  believe  upon  freight:  were  it  not  for  that,  and  that  the 
rice  is  a  perishable  commodity,  it  might  be  better  if  she  came 
in  here  and  unloaded  her  pitch,  which  at  home  we  believe  is  of 
more  value  than  the  rice,  and  proceed  in  some  other  voyage,  till 
a  better  opportunity  offers  of  shipping  to  England :  we  shall 
rather,  however,  endeavor  to  send  her  away  directly,  and  trust  to 
insurance,  which,  if  not  made,  I  request  may  be  got  done  with  a 
proviso  in  case  she  proceed  with  her  voyage,  otherwise  the  pre- 
mium to  be  returned ;  which  is  very  common.  By  all  means  I 
request  insurance  be  made,  leaving  it  at  large  whether  her  de- 
parture be  from  Carolina,  Virginia,  or  Pennsylvania.  I  intended 
in  my  letters  to  John  Askew,  of  which  he  must  doubtless 
receive  some,  that  I  feared  John  Guy  would  scarce  go  master, 
to  which  also  regard  must  be  had  in  the  insurance.  I  know 
J.  A.  will  be  very  careful  in  this,  being  himself  concerned  in  her 
jointly  with  Isaac  Norris,  and  when  about  it  for  himself  will 
not  begrudge  so  much  trouble  for  thee.  I  have  been  large  here, 
not  only  for  thy  full  information,  as  that  I  may  perhaps  be  dis- 
appointed of  writing  to  him  per  this  opportunity,  though  I  shall 
endeavor  it;  and  therefore  intreat  thee  to  communicate  it,  and 
press  it  on  him.  The  voyage  will  prove  bad  at  the  best,  but  I 
cannot  bear  to  think  that  from  so  good  a  prospect  it  should 
become  an  entire  loss.     These  things  must  needs  prove  very 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  3O3 

melancholy  to  thee,  nor  are  they  without  a  large  share  of  the 
same  to  me.  I  act  for  the  best,  and  with  the  best  advice  and 
concurrence,  but  against  t*rovidence  there  is  no  contending. 
Business  of  all  kinds  is  so  discouraging  that  I  am  quite  dispirited, 
and  shall  venture  no  more  till  there  be  a  better  prospect,  and 
the  face  of  affairs  alters,  unless  commanded ;  but  in  that  point 
I  have  but  too  great  reason  to  be  easy,  for  as  things  now  are  I 
can  receive  nothing  to  enable  me  to  it;  we  can  sell  no  lands, 
nor  receive  for  those  sold  :  my  present  engagements  are  as  much 
as  I  can  deal  with.  The  governor  not  having  received  anything 
yet  from  the  country,  expects,  as  well  as  thy  son,  his  supply 
from  me. 

I  have  not  yet  answered  the  interest  due  to  W.  Aubrey,  which 
I  shall  shorten  as  fast  as  possible  by  means  of  the  town  lots  as 
far  as  they  will  go,  for  the  land  will  not  sell  now,  but  the  trus- 
tees have  sent  so  very  lame  a  power  of  attorney,  that  we  can 
make  no  titles  by  it  to  satisfy  those  that  would  purchase  Peo- 
ple there  believe  that  anything  will  serve  us,  but  they  are  much 
mistaken,  we  are  but  too  exact;  we  must  have  another  instru- 
ment, with  much  stronger  clauses  than  Herbert  Springett  usually 
puts  in  those  he  sends  hither,  obliging  the  constituents  to  ratify 
and  give  further  assurance,  and  this  must  be  signed  before  two 
evidences  who  can  personally  prove  it  here.  We  have  a  law 
for  this  made  at  New  Castle,  and  nothing  short  of  it  will  do. 
If  this  be  neglected,  so  must  the  whole  business,  for  we  have  no 
power  but  what  is  given  us,  and  this  we  have  will  extend  no 
further  than  to  agree  with  the  buyers  till  a  title  can  be  made.  I 
have  wrote  to  the  trustees  themselves,  by  the  Virginia  fleet,  which 
whether  received  or  not  be  pleased  to  press  this,  thyself  being 
nearest  concerned  in  it.  I  wrote  also  to  Robert  Fairman,  and 
several  others,  by  a  later  opportunity  from  hence  to  Virginia, 
which  I  fear  may  miscarry,  the  fleet  having  sailed  so  disorderly, 
and  many  fine  ships  left  behind,  which  is  likely  to  prove  a  great 
loss  to  the  country. 

I  am  securing  what  convenieni  pieces  of  land  I  can,  but  find 
Fagg's  and  the  50,000  acres,  of  which  thy  son  claims  one  moiety 
by  his  mother,  are  both  the  same  ;  however,  I  shall  lay  out  some 
convenient  tracts,  at  least  the  best  I  can,  but  there  is  very  little 


304  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

now  to  be  found.  Samuel  Carpenter's  great  unhappiness  in  the 
world^  by  reason  of  the  country  sinking,  and  his  debts  growing 
yearly,  has  much  altered  him  ;  his  being  concerned  in  the  Sus- 
quehanna business  has  been  a  retardment  to  it,  though  thou  hast 
not  a  heartier  friend  in  the  country.  But  how  we  shall  get  in 
that  money  seems  unintelligible  to  me;  the  circumstances  of 
times  between  subscription  and  payment  so  widely  differ;  I 
shall,  however,  do  what  I  possibly  can  in  it,  but  we  grow  weak  in 
property  affairs.  Thomas  Story  has  now  been  absent  near  five 
months,  upon  which  the  corporation  has  made  Da^^id  Lloyd 
recorder  in  his  stead.  Griffith  Owen  is  weak  in  business,  and 
Edward  Shippen  in  health  :  he  is  much  broke  of  late  by  the 
advances  of  that  which  admits  no  cure,  and  'tis  hard  for  me  alone 
to  press  affairs  of  importance  as  they  ought  to  be. 

I  before  advised  of  Col.  Markham's  decease  on  the  nth  of 
last  month  ;  he  died  of  one  of  his  usual  fits,  and  was  buried  very 
honorably,  like  a  soldier,  with  the  militia,  &c.  I  have  received 
all  the  papers  from  the  widow,  and  we  are  to  have  the  accounts 
viewed  and  examined ;  but  J.  Reignier,  the  counsellor,  her  son- 
in-law,  stands  very  firm  to  her,  and  they  plead  debts  due  to 
them  for  services,  over  and  above  all  that  can  be  presented 
against  them.  He  is  now  gone  to  Yo'"k,  but  at  his  return  we 
ire  to  inquire  into  it.  The  old  gentleman  made  a  will,  but  has 
eft  his  own  daughter  very  little,  though  with  him.  The  regis- 
cer's  office  is  now  in  the  governor's  own  hands.  We  are  healthy 
and  poor;  a  good  crop  and  harvest,  but  the  most  hot,  dry  weather 
that  has  been  in  my  time.  I  shall  not  now  add  but  that  with 
due  respects  and  sincere  love  to  the  family,  I  am 

Thy  faithful  and  obedient  J.  Logan. 

Thy  son-in-law  assures  me  that  there  has  not  been  one  paper 
secreted  since  Col.  Markham's  death,  and  that  every  scrap  he 
left  behind  him  is  ready  to  be  produced  :  when  so  solemnly 
affirmed,  and  offered  further  upon  oath,  I  must  not  mistrust  it, 
but  at  the  same  time  it  falls  the  heavier  upon  the  person  who 
continued  in  the  business  so  long,  and  left  no  memorial  of  his 
proceedings  behind  him  but  what  can  be  gleaned  from  his  scat- 
tered receipts  abroad. 

[This  is  added  by  Mrs.  Logan,  and  appears  to  he  an  extract  of  a  letter  addressed 
by  Logan  to  Col.  Markham's  widow.  —  Editor.] 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  305 

William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

12th  ^th-mo.,  1704. 

Last  night  came  to  hand  thine  of  the  i2th-mo.  12th,  1703-4. 
and  a  postcript  of  the  14th  i.st-mo.  following,  which  made  some 
atonement  for  that  long  silence  we  have  uneasily  borne,  "and 
reasons  for  it.  All  that  time  and  wind  will  allow  me  to  say  is, 
1st.  That  I  only  desire  to  hear  from  thence  as  often  as  others. 
2d.  That  my  heart  is  glad  at  the  news  of  my  poor  child's  arrival 
safe  among  you,  and  more,  that  he  does  not  offend,  and  is  likely 
to  be  discreet.  3d.  That  he  had  not  only  one,  but  divers  letters 
for  you,  single  besides  packets.  One  Joshua  had,  if  not  more 
4th.  I  desire  the  governor  and  Judge  Mompesson  would  be  very 
large  and  particular  to  me  in  their  proper  stations,  and  what 
aims  and  hints  they  think  proper  for  me  to  take  measures 
by  for  the  general  good.  I  am  glad  my  son  sometimes  attends 
to  learn  business,  and  pray  let  me  know  if  he  inclines  to  stay 
till  I  come,  and  have  his  wife  and  children  to  go  to  him  or  [he] 
return  to  them.  5th.  Keep  the  ;^2,500  that  I  ordered  to  S.  Car- 
penter in  thy  own  hands,  if  in  danger  there,  because  I  would 
assign  it  for  paying  off  debts,  to  such  as  chose  to  have  it  in  thy 
hands,  of  which  more  per  next.  6th.  I  am  very  sorry  that  our 
people  stoop  not  to  the  Queen,  that  stoops  so  much  and  so 
kindly  to  me.  They  will,  I  fear,  provoke  a  ruin  to  me  and  mine, 
to  the  loss  of  the  government,  without  a  proportionate  satisfac- 
tion to  me,  and  a  yoke  upon  themselves  too. 

Those  sttirdics.wxW  never  leave  off  till  they  catch  a  Tartar,  and 
must  come  hither  to  be  lost  in  the  crowd  of  taller  folks,  to  be 
humbled  and  made  more  pliable;  for  what  with  the  distance  and 
the  scarcity  of  mankind  there,  they  opine  too  much,  and  I  am 
under  great  dissatisfaction  at  what  thou  wrotest  about  their 
aversion  to  the  union.^ 

I  know  this  aversion  to  a  union,  now  the  Queen  has  ordered 
the  means  of  it,  will  set  an  ill  complexion  upon  them  towards 
her  at  my  cost  at  last,  and  recommend  their  enemies.     Nay. 

'  [That  is,  to  the  union  under  one  government,  legislative  and  execu- 
tive, of  the  ^^  three  lower  counties,'"  now  constituting  the  State  of  Dela- 
ware, with  the  three  upper,  then  designated  as  the  Province  of  Penn- 
sylvania.— Editor.] 
VOL.  I.  — 21 


306  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l704- 

were  I  better  posted  in  the  lower  counties,  I  would  find  a  way 
to  dissolve  the  charter  so  far,  but  in  no  real  privileges. 

7th.  Let  me  know  why  the  two  packets  that  were  lost  were 
dangerous  ;  and  supply  my  son  Aubrey  to  his  attorney  there. 
8thf  I  fear  thy  letters  and  mine  have  been  lost  by  intercep- 
tion rather  than  by  other  miscarriages.  9th.  I  am  glad  the  In- 
dians were  so  regardful  of  me  as  to  come  down  to  congratu- 
late my  son  and  present  him.  I  hope  you  were  good  to  them 
in  return.  lOth.  I  hope  the  governor  will  cure  disaffected, 
where  any  are  so  refractory  as  to  refuse;  but  they  think  to  be 
exempted  from  charge,  or  that  I  was  to  come  thither  and  spend 
more  than  they  gave  me,  and  return  at  my  own  charge,  for  all 
they  gave  by  assembly  equals  not  what  it  cost  to  gp,  stay  there 
and  return,  and  to  maintain  our  common  right  (above  ;^3,000 
since  I  came  back)  from  a  yoke  the  basest  of  them  would  not 
suffer  without  clamor,  nth.  I  told  thee  of  opening  a  trade  with 
the  Spaniards  before  mine  came  to  hand,  and  thou  mayst  de- 
pend upon  it.  I  am  now  going  to  the  Lord  Treasurer  about  it, 
and  to  Sir  Peter  Meddows,'  and  if  I  hear  any  more  will  intimate 
it  before  I  seal,  though  the  merchants  and  masters  have  gone 
down  and  the  wind  fair.  Here  are  some  proclamations  of  the 
Queen,  sent  me  by  the  lords,  with  a  letter  about  the  corn,  with 
a  salvo  to  thy  objections  of  precontracts  too.  'T  is  general  — 
none  of  my  doings,  nor  indeed  of  my  opposing,  for  that  practice 
is  run  down  by  all  the  men  of  good  sense  or  good  morals  at 
this  end  of  the  world.  My  dear  embraces  to  my  poor  child. 
The  Lord  direct  and  preserve  him.  My  salutes  to  the  governor, 
judge,  council,  friends,  and  magistrates,  and  I  hope  the  Lord 
will  bring  us  to  you  before  or  by  this  time  twelve  months. 

I  am  thy  loving  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

P.  S.  —  My  wife's  dear  love  to  my  son,  and  rejoices  in  his  safe 
arrival.  She  salutes  Friends  and  the  governor.  Thy  last  came 
by  Portugal,  a  copy,  save  in  thy  own  hand.  Johnne  says, 
"  Respects,  duty,  and  love  to  brother." 

^  iz^th  ^th-mo.,  1704. 

The  13th  came  thine  of  the  i6th  3d-mo.,  and  my  dear  son's 

^  [Doubtless  an  error  in  copying,  and  intended  for  Sir  Philip  Mead- 
ows, Knight,  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trade  and  Plantations.  — 
Editor.] 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  307 

separate,  to  my  great  comfort,  which  I  have  sent  to  my  daughter, 

though  I  doubt  not  she  has  one  herself.     We  also  hear  that  the 

Virginia  fleet  is  in  the  chops  of  the  Channel. 

20th  tyih-mo. 

I  herewith  send  a  copy  of  the  instructions  to  the  governor 
about  opening  a  trade  with  the  Spaniards ;  and  perhaps  a  letter 
njay  come  formally  to  me,  to  send  to  the  governor  and  council, 
as  I  do  this,  about  money. 

Pray  let  not  Flower  send  us  over  any  news-letter  but  what 
thou  makest  correct  and  fit  to  be  published,  which  we  have 
made  this  in  some  measure.     Vale.  W.  Penn. 

22//  e^th-mo. 

Tell  my  cousin  Markham  ^  I  have  his,  and  take  it  kindly  from 
him.  It  is  a  good  general  and  of  some  particular  views  that  is 
instructing.  He  has  good  sense,  and  I  see  it  does  not  leave 
him.  I  am  sorry  he  is  not  in  his  place.  Herewith  comes  a  fresh 
commission  for  an  attorney-general;  for  I  would  have  that  vio- 
lent fellow  out  of  all  places  in  my  government,  and  despise  his 
forwardness,  since  in  vain  I  have  so  long  suffered  in  his  car- 
riage :  about  Captain  Dunn  is  sufficient,  and  his  disputing  of  my 
commission  to  my  cousin  Markham.  I  must  say  I  take  ill  the 
governor  not  writing.  'T  is  hardly  credible  with  those  that  ask 
me,  of  his  friends  ;  and  more,  they  think  it  unpardonable. 

My  cousin  is  very  just  to  him  in  a  discreet  character,  and 
so  he  is  to  thee  also.  Pray  consult  him  sometimes,  and  tell 
Col.  Evans  I  would  have  him  do  so  too ;  and  in  honor  to  him  I 
have  offered  him  to  be  of  the  council. 

I  shall  write  no  more  to  Evans,  having  written  twice  already, 
till  I  hear  from  him.  This  business  of  the  disunion  sticks  with 
me  still.  I  fear  it  will  lead  to  a  worse  thing,  unless  we  adjust 
the  matter  where  it  is.  What  will  the  Queen  think,  after  all 
my  memorials  to  preserve  the  government  without  a  seam,  to 

^Col.  Markham  died  the  12th  of  4th-mo.,  1704.  Samuel  Preston, 
in  a  letter  of  this  date,  thus  mentions  him:  "This  morning,  about  2 
of  the  clock,  our  near  neighbor  and  old  friend,  Col.  Markham,  ended 
a  sorrowful  life:  a  man,  thou  knowest,  well  respected,  yet  not  to  be 
lamented  by  his  best  friends.  I  was  a  spectator  of  his  latter  end  :  it 
was  not  with  much  hardship  or  struggle.  To-morrow  his  body  is  to 
be  buried,  &c."—L. 


308  PENN    AND    LOGAN  L'704- 

find,  and  that  on  our  side,  it  is  torn  in  two!  Oh,  the  weak- 
ness of  men  !  Use  the  utmost  of  thy  address  with  the  wise, 
the  honest,  and  the  weak,  to  accommodate  things;  and  don't  let 
them  make  use  of  a  charter  against  me,  now  I  keep  the  govern- 
ment at  unspeakable  charge,  and  at  evidence  that  I  only  granted 
in  the  extent  it  has  against  our  enemies,  when  they  and  I  feared 
I  should  lose  it.  This  thought,  one  would  imagirie,  well  laid 
before  them,  should  prevail  with  them.  I  doubt  not  I  could 
have  made  disunion  one  branch  of  my  bargain  to  have  kept  the 

rest,  had  they  gone  into  a  union  at  present;  but ^ 

Here  is  a  long  letter  of  J.  Mompesson  to  Charles  Lawton, 
inclosed  in  a  less,  designed  for  the  view  of  Lord  Clarendon, 
who  showed  it  to  me,  and  was  the  reason  of  his  retrenchment 
at  last;  but  not  a  word  of  me  in  it,  as  well  as  the  newsmonger: 
not  a  very  respectful  omission,  after  my  civilities  and  tender- 
ness. The  last  m'ight  have  said  something  that  looked  thank- 
ful to  me,  from  the  care  I  had  over  them  in  sending  over  a 
governor  to  them,  according  to  the  poet: 

"  If  Tom  such  praises  have " 

Nor  has  he  said  anything  of  my  son  by  way  of  distinction,  either 
in  respect,  or  to  denote  him  my  son,  which  I  have  endeavored 
to  supply  by  the  word  young  in  this  print ;  for  from  the  imper- 
fect mention  of  Col.  Evans  going  over  governor,  those  two,  or 
one  of  them,  the  "  Post  Boy,"  and  "  Flying  Post,"  gave  occasion  to 
the  nations  to  think  the  Queen  had  solely  made  him,  and  I  lost 
my  government;  but  the  Post  man  handsomely  corrected  it:  and 
people  might  have  thought,  without  young,  it  had  been  so  in- 
deed, and  that  I  was  gone  with  him  a  blank,  he  being  called 
governor;  but  I  have  added  lieutenant,  to  prevent  such  a  con- 
struction. I  have  no  other  letters  yet  from  thee  than  what  I 
have  mentioned.  I  hope  by  the  Virginia  fleet  you  will  make 
us  amends.     Those  newspapers  will  come  to  you. 

Be  punctual  in  my  son  Aubrey's  business  to  keep  my  credit 
with  my  poor  girl.  Tell  my  son  all  were  well  at  Worminghurst 
t'  other  day. 

^  [This  IS  so  in  the  original  letter,  the  sentence  remaining  unfinished. 
—  Editor.] 


1704]  CORRESPONDENCE.  309 

I  inclose  a  letter  from  Lord  Clarendon  to  his  son,  the  neigh- 
boring governor/  about  Samuel  Bonas,^  that  if  he  is  not  yet  at 
liberty,  will  I  hope  procure  it.  But  I  admire  at  his  remissions 
if  not  proceedings  at  this  time  of  day,  when  the  Queen  and 
ministry  show  so  moderate  a  side  towards  Dissenters  here,  and 
on  complaint  in  this  affair  would  be  very -ready  to  resent  and 
reprimand  such  a  differing  conduct.  'Send  it  to  him  by  a  dis- 
creet friend,  if  needful. 

I  think  to  chide  S.  Vaus  for  his  unaccountable  silence  to  thee 
about  so  many  accounts  between  you.  Nothing  yet  come  since 
I  begun  this,  now  about  eleven  days  ago.  The  ships  are  ready 
to  sail,  and  the  wind  at  north,  so  that  I  conclude  with  my  kind 
love  to  all  the  deserving,  and  dear  love  to  my  child,  who  I  hope 
studies,  at  least  reads  and  takes  notice  of  some  of  my  excellent 
as  well  as  thy  histories,  and  what  relates  to  government.  I  close, 
Thy  loving  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  2(ith  e^th-mo.,  1704. 

Honored  Governor:  —  This  comes  now  to  inform  thee  that 
on  first-day  last,  the  23d  instant,  in  the  morning,  this  place  un- 
fortunately lost  its  collector,  that  good-natured  gentleman,  John 
Bewley :  he  was  taken  away  by  a  dozing  lethargic  distemper, 
and  I  believe  apoplectic,  without  sense  of  pain,  having  been 
abroad  two  days  before  ;  and  because  of  his  corpulency,  and  heat 
of  the  season,  was  buried  that  evening. 

Immediately  upon  this,  John  Moore  applied  to  Col.  Quary  for 
the  place,  who  is  now  surveyor-general  of  the  continent,^  upon 
a  promise  that  not  only  he,  but  they  both  say  the  commis- 
sioners or  Savage  had  made  him  upon  the  first  vacancy.     Next 


'  [Lord  Cornbury.  — Editor.] 

*  "  Samuel  Bonas  is  a  prisoner  still.  He  was  confined  for  one  year, 
which  is  out  within  a  few  days ;  he  has  been  patj^nt  in  suffering  and  is 
well  esteemed  by  all  friends." — Extract  from  letter  of  Rachel  Preston, 
dated  Philadelphia,  y:>th  ibr. ,  1 704.  He  was  imprisoned  in  Rhode 
Island  on  a  religious  scruple.  — L. 

'Extract   of    S.   Preston's  letter,  dated  Philadelphia,   ist  6th-mo., 


310  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

morning  being  second-day,  the  governor  sent  for  Col.  Quary  to 
consult  with  him  what  was  to  be  done.  Quary  claimed  the 
right  of  preferring  one  to  the  place,  and  pleaded  from  some  of 
the  commissioners'  letters  he  had  good  reason  to  pitch  upon 
that  person.  The  governor  desired  to  see  his  commission,  which 
when  produced  was  found  to  contain  nothing  to  that  purpose, 
yet  still  he  insisted  on  it.  •  The  governor  appointed  to  meet  him 
at  Quary's  own  house  in  the  afternoon,  and  accordingly  went, 
but  found  Quary,  without  further  hesitation,  had  already  granted 
Moore  a  commission  and  settled  him  in  the  place,  upon  which 
the  governor,  saying  what  was  proper  modestly  to  assert  his 
right  of  being  concerned  in  it,  without  making  any  exceptions 
against  the  person,  as  not  being  then  seasonable,  left  them,  and 
now  John  Moore  is  her  Majesty's  collector  for  the  port  of  Phila- 
delphia, at  least  for  the  time  being. 

Of  what  consequences  this  may  prove  I  need  not  here  men- 
tion, but  it  may  easily  be  concluded  from  that  man's  rapacious 
temper,  who  is  well  known  to  regard  no  interest  but  his  own, 
and  makes  use  of  offices  and  great  names,  only  as  they  can  be 
subservient  to  that  and  the  exigencies  of  his  family.  John 
Bewley  is  dead,  who  could  best  inform  of  his  expressions  in 
relation  to  that  office,  and  particularly  of  his  saying  that  were 
it  in  his  hands  he  should  find  a  way  to  make  his  remittances  to 
the  Crown  much  shorter  to  that  purpose,  and  he  has  been  heard 
to  say,  when  speaking  of  thy  over-officious  compliance  with  the 
orders  of  the  Crown,  as  it  has  been  thought  by  some  here,  in 
sending  away  the  pirate's  money,  that  had  it  been  in  his  hands, 
he  would  sooner  have  lost  his  neck  than  parted  with  one  farth- 
ing of  it,  though  all  the  secretaries  of  England  had  wrote  for 
it.  But  't  is  needless  to  mention  those  passages  to  one  so  fully 
acquainted  with  him. 

I  bear  no  personal  ill-will  to  the  man,  yet  cannot  think  but 
that  Quary  is  in  vain  appointed  surveyor,  over  a  person  in  that 
office,  for  whom  he  is  under  such  obligations  to  provide.     Here 

1704:  "We  have  lately  buried  John  Bewley,  our  collector,  who  will  be 
"much  missed  in  his  place.  If  the  man  who  now  represents  him,  viz., 
John  Moore,  should  be  continued,  we  shall  have  cause  to  say  (I  fear) 
the  change  is  no  small  disappointment  to  this  port."  — L. 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  3II 

is  one  Henry  Brook,  a  young  gentleman  now  in  town,  grandson 
to  Sir  Henry  Brook,  of  Norton  in  Cheshire,  who,  for  the  con- 
veniency  of  a  younger  branch  of  the  family  of  which  he  is, 
came  over  hither  about  two  years  ago  collector  of  Lewes,  which 
place  was  by  an  unworthy  abuse  of  some  under  the  commission 
fobbed  upon  him,  instead  of  New  Castle  at  first  promised,  and 
granted  to  him  by  the  board ;  but  delays  being  thrown  in  the 
way,  Lowman  found  an  interest  to  worm  him  out  of  it.  He  will 
stand  candidate  for  the  place,  has  an  interest  in  some  of  the 
lord  treasurer's  family,  though  not  so  well  known  to  himself, 
particularly  in  his  brother  Charles  Godolphin,  one  of  the  present 
commissioners,  and  his  sister,  M.  Boscawen,  who  lives  with  her 
son-in-law,  Philip  Meadows,  at  Kensington.  I  really  take  him 
to  be  a  young  man  of  the  most  polite  education  and  best  nat- 
ural parts  that  I  have  known,  at  least  before  his  time,  thrown 
away  on  this  corner  of  the  world,  and  am  confident  would 
acquit  himself  with  much  honor  wherever  he  is  concerned  :  he 
has  wrote  to  the  persons  above  mentioned,  whose  interest  with 
their  brother,  the  treasurer,  may  be  of  great  service,  and  if  thou 
wilt  be  pleased  to  back  it,  this  place,  I  believe,  would  find  itself 
much  obliged  to  thee,  as  well  as  he  in  particular. 

Col.  Seymour,  present  governor  of  Maryland,  has  lately  made 
this  place  a  visit;  he  arrived  on  the  15th  instant.  Quary  only 
and  some  of  his  friends  had  notice  of  his  arrival,  by  a  trick  of 
Quary's  man;  upon  which,  no  others  knowing  it,  and  his  arrival 
being  late  at  night,  he  took  him  to  his  house,  where  he  staid  till 
the  20th.  Thy  son  was  at  Pennsbury,  but  came  down  upon  ad- 
vice of  it.  He  dined  once  with  us,  and  once  with  Richard  Hill. 
Presently  upon  his  arrival,  he  made  J.  Moore  his  deputy  in  the 
vice-admiralty,  for  which  he  seemed  afterwards  much  troubled. 
The  governor  was  then  extremely  ill  of  his  distemper,  and  could 
not  wait  on  him,  nor  any  one  else  that  had  an  interest  in  or 
any  acquaintance  with  him,  so  that  Moore  was  in  a  manner 
pushed  upon  him  of  a  sudden  ;  but  he  made  many  protesta- 
tions afterwards  that  upon  the  least  complaint  his  commission 
should  terminate,  and  the  governor  should  nominate  whom  he 
pleased.  He  seems  a  friend  to  thee  and  thy  interest,  loves  thy 
son,  takes  great  freedom  in  speech,  in  which  he  spares  neither 


312  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

Nicholson  ^  nor  Quary  to  his  face,  nor  any  other  with  whom  he 
thinks  he  has  reason  to  be  displeased. 

Captain  Puckle  not  being  yet  arrived,  is  generally  given  up 
for  lost,  and  honest  Edward  Shippen  with  him.  A  vessel  five 
weeks  ago  arrived  in  Virginia  that  left  him  off  the  Western 
Islands.  We  daily  expect  a  company  of  the  Onondagoe  In- 
dians, who  two  months  ago  sent  us  notice  they  were  coming  to 
trade  with  us,  which  is  like  to  prove  very  unfortunate,  there 
being  no  kind  of  goods  for  them  but  powder  in  town.  I  doubt 
we  are  in  great  danger  of.  losing  those  nations.  Bear-skins 
and  other  peltry  being  so  very  low  in  England,  we  hear,  that 
the  merchants  cannot  afford  any  price  for  them,  while  in  the 
mean  time,  the  French  buy  them  at  high  rates,  and  it  is  well 
known  that  interest  chiefly  sways  these  people,  and  that  on  that 
bottom  chiefly  they  build  their  friendship.  It  seems  very 
strange  that  bear-skins  should  take  so  great  and  sudden  a  fall  in 
price,  while  the  camps  are  yet  as  much  on  foot  as  ever. 

Elizabeth  Jackson,  after  a  tedious  weakness,  died  this  morn- 
ing. The  violence  of  the  season  proves  very  trying  to  tender 
constitutions.  The  governor  is  much  better  than  he  was ;  he 
walks  abroad,  but  is  still  so  weakly  he  cannot  frame  himself  to 
write  by  this  opportunity,  and  requests  to  be  excused,  as  I  must 
also,  for  my  prolixity,  after  which  I  shall  not  presume  to  add 
but  that  I  am,  as  ever, 

Thy  dutiful  and  affectionate  friend,  J.  Logan. 


Isaac  Norris  to  Jonathan  Dickinson.^ 
IBx/rai:^]  2%ih  ^th-nio.,  i']o/^i 

....  The  governor  is  a  young  man  of  good  sense,  and  hith- 
erto carries  very  well.  Col.  Quary  is  surveyor-general  of  cus- 
toms and  judge  of  the  admiralty  here  again,  and  John  Moor 
(since  the  death  of  honest  Bewley,  last  first-day,  suddenly)  is 
our  collector  appointed  by  the  colonel.  The  person  thou  hear- 
est  of  is  one    Capt.    George    Roche,    from    Antigua.     He   has 


^  Governor  of  Virginia.  —  L.  '  Norris  MSS. 


1704.]  CORRESrOXDENCE.  3I3 

bought  Christopher  Sibthorpe's,  and  last  week  has  taken  most 
of  Samuel  Carpenter's  warehouses  and  part  of  the  dwelling- 
house,  and  carries  on  a  great  trade,  especially  to  Antigua.  Samuel 
Carpenter  is  out  of  trade,  lives  at  plantation.  He  has  sold  the 
scales  and  the  Coffee  House,  and  intends  to  sell  off  more. 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan 

WoRMiNGHURST,  \2th  6th-fno.,  1704. 
I  have,  since  my  last  to  thee,  thine,  I  suppose  via  Barbadoes, 
containing  a  copy  of  thine  of  the  5th  lobr.,  and  thine  15th 
l2th-mo.  last,  and  also  that  of  the  i8th  ditto,  likewise  thine 
inclosed  to  John  Askew,  of  the  22d  4th-mo.,  by  which  I  learn 
of  your  welfare  and  my  son's  safe  return  from  and  liking  Con- 
estoga,  for  which  I  bless  God.  I  have  sent  thee  a  great  packet 
by  one  Daniel,  I  think,  on  board  Captain  Robertson,  with 
which  is  gone  John  Lask  and  one  Arbethnight,  both  Scotsmen, 
and  both  recommended  to  thee,  and  capable,  I  am  told,  to  help 
thee,  being  scholars,  and  bred  to  the  business  of  the  pen,  one  a 
professor  of  Friends'  principles,  and  the  other  kind,  I  have 
chid  S.  Vaus  as  thou  writ,  who  promised  at  my  leaving  the 
town  to  write  to  thee  about  the  several  cargoes.  No  news  of 
Grey,  but  the  Virginia  fleet  has  got  safely  in,  though  six  men- 
of-war  from  France  watched  them  in  the  chops  of  the  Channel. 
None  of  thy  letters  to  son  Aubrey,  Daniel  Whar,  Churchill,  &c., 
come  that  I  can  hear.  Enclose  thy  packets  to  John  Ellis,  Esq., 
at  Sir  Charles  Hedge's  office,  at  Whitehall,  for  the  Queen's 
special  service,  for  they  come  without  foul  play  to  me,  covering 
it  with  a  few  civil  lines  to  him.  By  the  packet  per  Daniel  goes 
the  Queen's  letter  to  me,  and  her  proclamation  about  the  coin, 
also  the  Queen's  letter  to  me  about  opening  a  trade  with  the 
Spaniards,  as  in  time  of  peace.  I  have  been  more  express  to 
my  son,  which  pray  him  to  communicate.  I  am  sorry  about 
the  death  of  my  cousin  Markham,  of  which  neither  thou  nor  my 
son  say  anything,  also  of  the  removal  of  Judge  Mompesson  to 
York,  both  which  I  learned  from  cousin  Parmyter  of  the  5th 


314  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

last  month,  from  York,  the  Galley  coming  in  20  days.  I  would 
have  civilities  shown  the  widow  (of  Markham)  only  for  his 
sake,  after  all  faults.  Poor  man  !  I  hope  he  made  none  of  the 
worst  ends.  I  intended  to  have  been  further  kind,  notwith- 
standing his  malicious  enemies.  I  hear  the  night  Col.  Evans 
and  my  son  arrived  in  your  town,  Quary  and  Moore  were  then 
a-drinking  to  a  Queen's  government.  Blessed  be  God  for  their 
disappointment.  I  struggle  for  that  pjor  country's  preserva- 
tion, to  the  wasting  of  my  time  and  person,  besides  purse.  The 
Lord  bless  my.  labors  to  posterity  !  I  have  read  and  weighed 
thine  of  the  i8th  i2th-mo.  I  am  glad  religion  came  in  upon 
thy  spirit  at  the  door  of  disappointment  and  its  exercises;  thou 
hast  got  well  by  it,  however;  may  a  weighty  frame  prevail  to 
sanctify  thy  capacity  in  all  affairs,  that  a  good  and  wise  man 
thou  mayst  approve  thyself  to  all  sorts.  I  hope  to  see  you  by 
this  time  twelvemonth,  the  Lord  permitting,  and  I  would  hope 
one  country  would  hold  me  and  mine  ;  thou  knowest  what  I 
mean.  If  thou  couldst  send  a  vessel  to  the  Madeiras  and  pur- 
chase wines  to  come  directly  hither,  even  George's  or  Fayal's, 
which  are  best,  and  some  Passados,  I  believe  it  would  be  by 
much  the  best  way  of  returns,  except  bills,  though,  as  I  have 
writ,  divers  have  been  protested.  I  have  sent  a  packet  by  Jo. 
Martin  on  board  the  Good  Intent,  by  whom  I  believe  this  will 
go.  All  our  loves  is  to  thee,  and  my  dear  son,  and  friends  as 
if  named,  especially  Capt.  Hill,  from  whom  I  have  two  letters, 
for  which  I  own  myself  debtor.  God  Almighty  preserve  you 
all,  under  the  power  of  what  you  believe  and  profess,  and  then 
never  fear  hell,  death,  and  the  grave.     Farewell. 

Thy  cordial  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

P.  S.  —  I  am  afraid  Lord  Clarendon  undid  most  of  what  he  did 
for  Mompesson.  I  would  have  Lowther  or  my  cousin  Parmyter 
attorney-general  and  register,  instead  of  J.  Moore.  Consider 
of  it.  I  should  choose  the  latter,  having  stemmed  the  tide 
about  him  here.  Will  J.  Jones's  potash  do  ?  A  rare  return,  and 
I  should  be  glad  of  a  concern  in  it.  Tell  my  son  I  think  to 
send  a  gardener. 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  315 

Isaac  Norris  to  Jonathan  Dickinson, 
l£xfra^f.'}  Philadelphia,  27/A  Ti>r.,  1704. 

....  We  have  unhappy  disagreements  in  our  government. 
The  province  is  disjunct  in  assembly  from  the  territories,  and 
the  assembly  and  governor  cannot  agree  upon  some  things  in 
the  provincial  charter  which  the  proprietor  granted  the  province 
at  his  going  off,  especially  about  sitting  on  their  own  adjourn- 
ments. The  governor,  in  opposition  to  this,  asserts  the  power 
of  dissolution  and  prorogation,  which  the  assembly  think  in- 
consistent w^ith  an  annual  election  and  sittings.  Contests  have 
been  carried  on  warmly  on  both  sjdes,  and  another  assembly  in 
course  next  month,  I  fear  the  consequences,  which  our  secret  as 
well  as  public  enemies  foment.  By  the  Queen's  orders  that 
oaths  shall  be  administered  to  all  that  demand  them.  Friends 
are  shut  out  of  the  judicature:,  they  endeavor  to  preserve  them- 
selves in  the  mayor's  court,  but  are  strenuously  opposed,  and 
their  attempts  to  discourage  vice,  looseness,  and  immorality, 
which  increase,  are  baffled  by  proclamations  making  void  their 
presentations,  and  the  unhappy  misunderstanding  between  them 
and  the  country  increases. 

William  Penn,  junior,  quite  gone  off  from  Friends.  He,  being 
in  company  with  some  extravagants  that  beat  the  watch  at  Enoch 
Story's,  was  presented  with  them :  which  unmannerly  and  dis- 
respectful act,  as  he  takes  it,  gives  him  great  disgust,  and  seems 
a  waited  occasion.  He  talks  of  going  home  in  the  Jersey  man- 
of-war,  next  month.  I  wish  things  had  been  better  or  he  had 
never  come. 

'T  is  said  Maryland  is  now  passing  a  law  to  prohibit,  or  lay 
severe  impositions  on  all  trade  with  us,  which  will  be  greatly  to 
our  injury.  We  have  eight  or  ten  vessels  that  came  out  of  Bar- 
badoes  with  a  fleet  arrived,  the  rest  expected  daily,  which  glut, 
just  at  this  juncture,  will  run  West  India  goods  very  low.  'Tis 
I  presume  a  few  great  dons,  whom  I  could  name,  designing  to 
monopolize  the  trade  to  themselves,  are  the  promoters. 


3l6  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l704- 

James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Ppiiladelphia,  28//i  Tl^r.,  1704. 

Honored  Governor: — This  comes  at  length  by  the  brigan- 
tine  Robert  and  Benjamin,  of  whom  I  have  so  often  wrote  to 
thyself  and  John  Askew,  and  for  insurance.  Thou  art  concerned 
seven  twenty-fourths  in  her  bottom  and  freight,  as  I  have  before 
stated,  and  one-third  of  her  cargo  on  the  owner's  account.  We  have 
met  with  a  very  great  disappointment  in  her. not  going  home  by 
the  Virginia  fleet,  which  if  she  had  done,  she  might  in  all  proba- 
bility have  made  our  money  sterling,  and  as  it  is,  we  hope  will  bring 
it  near  the  exchange,  viz.,  50  per  cent.,  if  not  still  more  unfor- 
tunate than  we  can  foresee.  Thy  success  at  sea  is  so  very  dis- 
couraging, that  I  should  never  be  willing  to  be  concerned  more 
this  way,  and  William  Trent,  who  has  hitherto  been  a  partner  in 
most  of  thy  losses,  almost  protests  against  touching  with  any 
vessel  again  where  a  proprietary  holds  a  part.  I  hope,  however, 
she  will  arrive  safe  at  last,  and  bring  some  effects  to  hand.  The 
bills  of  lading  and  general  invoice  are  sent  to  John  Askew,  to 
whom  I  have  made  bold  to  consign  thy  part  this  time,  because 
he  is  in  part  concerned  in  her  himself,  and  therefore  hope  he 
will  be  more  careful  in  disposing  of  her  to  advantage. 

I  cannot  foresee  when  I  shall  ever  be  so  happy  as  to  be  able 
to  give  thee  encouraging  accounts  of  thy  affairs  here;  they  seem 
every  day  to  look  with  a  more  and  more  melancholy  aspect,  and 
I  am  sorry  I  must  now  turn  my  pen  to  so  unhappy  a  subject  as 
the  present  state  of  public  affairs  here. 

The  governor  I  doubt  not  will  be  particular  himself,  but  I 
must  also  take  leave  to  write  my  thoughts  with  the  same  free- 
dom always  done  on  all  subjects  hitherto,  though  I  believe  I  can 
scarce  say  anything  but  what  his  pen  will  touch. 

I,  in  several  letters  by  Virginia,  Boston,  Barbadoes,  and  the 
Madeiras  this  summer,  have  given  thee  an  account  of  the  dila- 
tory proceedings  of  the  assembly  after  their  entire  separation 
from  the  lower  counties,  which  method  they  still  continued  till 
the ^  of  last  month,  when,  upon  a  sharp  fit  of  sickness  of  the 


^  [This  is  blank.  — Editor.] 


I704-J  CORRESPONnENCE.  317 

governor's,  they  broke  up  of  themselves,  without  one  bill 
being  past,  declaring  that  till  the  point  of  dissolution  and 
prorogation  were  .conceded,  of  the  power  of  which  they  would 
have  the  governor  divest  himself,  they  could  not  think  it 
proper  to  proceed  to  any  other  business.  They  presented  in 
all,  three  bills  to  the  governor:  the  first  for  explaining  the 
city  charter,  in  which  they  had  crowded  so  many  extravagant 
privileges  and  new  grants,  under  pretence  of  removing  doubts, 
that  Judge  Mompcsson  affirms  that  of  London  is  not  to  be  com- 
pared to  what  they  would  make  it ;  this  was  so  very  far  out  of 
the  way  that  the  governor  and  council  could  scarce  think  it 
worth  while  to  enter  upon  the  consideration  of  it.  The  third 
was  a  bill  for  confirming  property,  in  that  they  brought  in  all 
the  clauses  of  the  great  charter  thou  left  imperfected  at  thy  de- 
parture, with  the  addition  of  several  other  clauses ;  some  of 
them  are  not  to  be  found  fault  with,  others  less  reasonable,  but 
with  very  little  regard  anywhere  to  thy  interest.  This  also,  be- 
cause the  first  was  not  got  over,  was  but  little  considered.  The 
bills  are  all  drawn  by  David  Lloyd,  the  speaker,  and  exactly 
come  up  to  what  may  be  expected  from  his  temper.  He  pro- 
fesses all  the  fairness  and  candor  that  is  possible  to  the  gov- 
ernor, but  some  are  of  opinion,  especially  his  father-in-law,  who 
does  not  draw  with  him,  that  he  would  endeavor  to  make  use 
of  thy  lieutenant  against  thyself,  but  he  is  much  mistaken  in  the 
man  :  the  governor  has  too  much  honor  to  be  made  use  of. 
David  professes  so  much  zeal  for  the  public  good,  that  with  the 
joint  endeavors  of  J.  Wilcox,  a  representative  for  the  city,  and 
one  or  two  more,  he  has  gained  too  great  an  ascendant  over  the 
honest  country  members  to  let  thy  interest  be  considered  as  it 
ought.  Next  2d- day,  the  first  of  8br.,  there  will  be  a  new  elec- 
tion, and  I  fear  much  such  another  set  of  members  chosen  for 
this  place  as  before,  to  which  I  doubt  not  the  following  passages 
will  contribute,  being  so  improved  by  some  to  serve  the  ends 
desired. 

The  governor,  upon  the  Queen's  letter  from  the  Lords  of 
Trade,  commanding  him  to  put  the  province  in  a  state  of  de- 
fence in  this  time  of  war,  thought  himself  obliged  to  his  utmost 
to  establish  a  militia,  and  accordingly. settled  three  good  com- 


3l8  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

panics  in  this  town,  as  I  have  wrote  before ;  but  because  the 
service  was  all  voluntary,  and  many  of  the  soldiers  begrudging 
their  time  and  labor  without  any  manner  of  recompense,  it  was 
proposed,  for  an  encouragement,  that  all  persons  who  would  en- 
list themselves  should  be  exempted  from  all  services  of  the 
wards,  as  watching,  constables,  &c. ;  and  accordingly  the  gov- 
ernor issued  a  proclamation,  of  which  a  copy  is  inclosed,  for 
that  purpose.  Upon  this,  those  of  the  church  party,  who  desired 
to  discourage  a  militia,  refused  to  watch  at  all,  because  all  would 
not,  and  thereby  gave  many  occasion  to  discourse  of  the  proc- 
lamation. Not  long  after  this,  the  watch,  meeting  with  a  com- 
pany at  Enoch  Story's,  a  tavern,  in  which  some  of  the  militia 
officers  were,  a  difference  arose,  that  ended  with  some  rudeness. 
Next  night,  the  watch  coming  again  to  the  same  place,  and  thy 
son  happening  to  be  in  company  there,  was  something  of  a 
fray,  which  ended  with  the  watch's  retiring.  This,  with  all  the 
persons  concerned  in  it,  was  taken  notice  of  the  next  mayor's 
court  that  sat,  which  was  the  third  of  this  month ;  and  hot  any 
regard  had  to  names  by  the  grand  jury,  beyond  whom  it  did 
not  pass.  The  indignity,  however,  put  upon  the  eldest  son  of 
the  founder  of  their  corporation,  so  early  after  the  date  of  their 
charter,  is  looked  upon,  by  most  moderate  men,  to  be  very  base; 
and  by  him,  the  governor,  and  all  others  concerned  in  the  gov- 
ernment not  quite  of  their  party,  is  deeply  resented  as  a  thing 
exceedingly  provoking ;  and  it  had  its  effects,  in  some  measure, 
accordingly ;  for  the  court  at  the  same  session  proceeding  against 
Enoch  Story  for  disorders  in  his  house,  his  attorney  put  the 
Queen's  orders  upon  them,  and  desired  that  the  evidence  against 
him,  being  one  that  could  swear,  should  take  his  oath,  which 
the  court  not  being  able  to  administer,  there  being  no  juror 
amongst  them,  they  proceeded  upon  his  attestation  only,  and 
brought  the  matter,  I  think,  to  a  judgment.  Upon  this,  Story 
petitioned  the  governor  in  council,  that,  according  to  the  said 
ordinance,  the  proceedings  might  be  declared  void ;  and  accord- 
ingly the  governor  issued  his  proclamation,  which  those  skilled 
in  the  law,  among  whom  Judge  Mompesson,  .advised  as  the 
proper  method.  A  copy  of  the  proclamation  is  also  inclosed. 
About  this  time  the  Lord  Cornbury,  being  at  Burlington  with 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  319 

the  assembly  of  that  province  immediately  after  the  yearly 
meeting  there,  took  a  voyage  down  the  river  to  visit  Gloucester 
and  Salem,  arid  to  view  the  river :  but  upon  his  last  arrival  at 
Burlington,  and  to  the  time  of  his  undertaking  that  voyage,  it 
was  confidently  reported  that,  upon  his  design  of  visiting  New 
Castle  likewise  in  his  progress,  1st  of  8br.,  his  business  there 
was  to  take  possession  of  our  lower  counties,  for  which,  it  was 
given  out,  a  commission  was  granted  by  the  Queen,  but  not  yet 
arrived.  This,  I  doubted  not,  was  false ;  yet,  least  he  might 
tamper  with  any  of  the  disaffected  there,  I  resolved  to  go  down 
by  land,  to  observe  him,  but  found  nothing  like  what  had  been 
so  freely  talked  of  In  this  time  the  proclamation  for  Story 
was  issued ;  so  that,  whether  it  please  thee  or  not,  I  can  claim 
no  manner  of  merit  in  it.  The  corporation  was  exceedingly 
disturbed  at  this,  and  resolved  to  complain  to  the  governor  by 
way  of  remonstrance,  a  redress  of  their  grievances  exhibited  in 
three  heads,  given  last  /th-day  writing,  of  which  a  copy  is  in- 
closed ;  and  upon  failure,  resolve  to  apply  hence  to  their  supe- 
riors ;  by  which  whether  they  mean  thee  or  the  Queen  we  know 
not,  but  by  their  expressions  some  of  them  seem  to  give  out 
that  they  are  assured  their  gracious  sovereign  will  have  a  very 
tender  regard  for  their  sufferings,  and  as  soon  as  heard,  plenti- 
fully pour  out  relief  upon  them  ;  and  yet  one  would  reasonably 
think  they  might  learn  to  be  wiser,  from  a  passage  last  5th-day 
at  Burlington,  when  a  kinsman  ^  dissolved  the  assembly  there, 
without  passing  an  act,  though  there  were  several  prepared,  only 
because  they  had  granted  him  no  more  than  ^1,500  for  one  year, 
and  ^1,000  per  an.  for  two  years  more,  which  by  act  they  were 
ready  to  do,  notwithstanding  the  whole  province  has  not  three 
vessels  that  ever  I  heard  of  belonging  to  it  that  go  to  sea,  and  I  am 
confident,  now  wheat  is  so  low,  is  more  than  could  reasonably  be 
expected  from  them,  the  whole  government  having  no  trade  but 
with  this  province  on  the  western  side, and  York  on  the  other;  but 
"  Quos  perdere  vult  Jupiter  prima  dementat," '  it  mustbe  our  fate,  it 

•  Of  the  Queen's,  whose  mother  was  the  Lady  Ann  Hyde,  daughter 
of  the  great  Earl  of  Clarendon.  Lord  Cornbury's  father  was  proba- 
bly first  cousin  to  the  queen,  —  L. 

*  It  is  with  difficulty  I  can  make  out  the  English  from  parts  of  the 


320  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

sccnis,  in  conformity  I  doubt  with  all  the  rest  of  the  English 
dominions  ;  for  I  am  of  the  same  mind  still  as  this  time  twelve 
months  ago.     But  to  return  : 

Mr.  William,  incensed  at  the  barbarous  treatment  he  received 
from  the  corporation  in  that  act  of  theirs,  thought  himself  obliged 
no  longer  to  keep  any  measures  with  such  as,  making  more 
than  ordinary  pretences  to  religion,  could  so  little  observe  any 
rules  of  decency  with  him,  or  gratitude  and  respect  to  their 
founder;  and,  therefore,  to  show  he  would  have  no  more  com- 
munication with  men  of  that  temper,  indulged  himself  in  the 
same  freedom  that  others  take,  upon  a  visit  the  Lady  Corn- 
bury  made  to  this  place,  whilst  his  lordship  sat  at  Burlington, 
and  so  seems  resolved  to  continue.  Notwithstanding  this,  he 
still  expresses  such  a  tender  regard  to  his  father's  profession, 
that  nothing  can  disturb  him  more  than  to  hear  it  unkindly 
treated.  He  is  still  for  espousing  the  cause,  though  angry  with 
the  men,  and  declares  that  in  his  heart  it  will  ever  be  his  only 
religion,  though  he  thinks  fit  to  decline  all  the  outward  appear- 
ance of  it.  He  is  just  now  returned  from  Pennsbury,  where  he 
entertained  the  Lord  and  Lady  Cornbury ;  and,  what  we  could 
not  believe  before,  though  for  a  few  days  past  he  has  discoursed 
of  it,  assures  us  that  he  is  resolved  to  go  home  from  York  in 
the  Jersey  man-of-war,  and  within  a  week,  at  furthest,  designs  to 
set  off  from  this  place.  Byerly,  the  collector  of  that  place,  has 
offered  to  supply  him  with  money,  to  be  paid  again  as  it  can  be 
■raised  from  his  lands  here,  of  a  considerable  quantity  of  which 
he  intends  to  dispose,  if  he  can  possibly  induce  some  chapmen 
he  has  in  view,  on  whom  I  also  had  a  design,  and  had  been 
treating  with  them  about  Letitia's,  though  he  should  sell  con- 
siderably under  the  value.  This  will  put  me  in  no  small  hurry 
to  dispatch  such  papers  with  him  as  I  can  possibly  get  ready, 
and  provide  at  the  same  time  for  New  York,  where,  to  be  sure, 
I  must  accompany  him. 

About  a  month  ago  the  Indians  of  the  Five  Nations,  that  I 

old  copy,  from  which  I  write.     If  the  Latin*  is  bad,  it  is  surely  an 
error  of  one  of  the  transcribers.  — L. 

*  [Quos  Deus  vult  perdere  prius  dementat.  —  Editor.] 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  321 

mentioned  in  my  former  letter,  at  length  arrived  here,  very 
seasonably,  after  we  were  furnished  with  goods  by  Puckle, 
whom  we  had  long  before  utterly  given  up  for  lost,  and  had  a 
treaty  with  us,  which  we  hope  may  prove  of  service.  But  it  is 
by  no  means  agreeable  to  Lord  Cornbury,  who,  with  all  the 
government  of  York,  is  jealous  that  we  should  have  anything 
to  do  with  these  people. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  ^dZbr.,  1704. 
Yesterday  being  the  time  appointed  by  charter  for  elections, 
David  Lloyd,  Reese  Thomas,  Joshua  Carpenter,  Joseph  Wilcox, 
Jno.  Roberts  of  Merion,  Edward  Bolton,  Edmund  Orpwood,  and 
Francis  Rawle  were  chosen  for  this  county,  and  Tho.  Masters 
and  Charles  Read  for  the  city.  Jno.  Budd  and  Benj.  Wright 
were  chosen  to  be  presented  to  the  governor  to  nominate  one 
of  them  sheriff;  but  at  the  time  of  election,  the  governor  giving 
them  his  opinion  that  they  had  not  a  right  to  elect  sheriffs  this 
year,  the  time  for  it  being  only  once  in  three  years,  and  that 
since  their  first  right  to  elect,  which  was  8br.,  1702,  there  were 
but  two  years  elapsed,  he  resolves  to  continue  in  the  same,  and 
for  this  year  will  not,  I  suppose,  commissionate  either  of  those 


"  At  a  council,  2d  7br.,  1704,*  the  attorney-general  informed  the 
board  that  last  night  there  had  been  a  great  fray  in  the  city,  between 
the  watch  and  some  gentlemen,  that  the  gentlemen  had  received  great 
abuses  from  the  watch,  who  were  backed  by  the  mayor,  recorder,  and 
onef  alderman,  that  the  peace  had  been  broke,  and  several  persons 
injured,  and  the  mayor  and  recorder  being  (according  to  his  informa- 
tion) concerned  as  parties,  the  tryal  could  not  be  brought  into  the  city 
court,  and  therefore  he  laid  it  before  the  governor  whether  a  tryal 
ought  not  to  be  ordered  in  some  other  proper  court  ?  Wimesses  were 
examined,  and  the  mayor,  recorder,  and  Jos.  Wilcox  (alderman) 
being  summoned  to  appear  at  the  board,  came  and  vindicated  them- 
selves from  being  any  otherways  concerned  in  the  fray  than  as  in  duty 
bound  to  quell  the  disturbance." 

*  [In  the  volume  of  minutes  as  published  by  the  Commonwealth,  there  is  no  minuW 
of  the  date  of  2d  "jbr.,  1 704.  —  Editor.] 

f  Tradition  says  that  he  seized  the  governor,  who  was  one  of  the  gentlemen's 
party,  and  (the  lights  being  put  out)  gave  him  a  severe  drubbing,  redoubling  his 
blows  upon  him  as  a  slanderer  when  he  disclosed  his  quality.  —  L. 
VOL.  I.  —  22 


322  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

returned  ;  but  next  year  their  right  of  election  of  course  returns. 
I  know  not  whether  this  may  not  breed  some  disgust,  the  people 
groundlessly  imagining  that  't  is  designed  all  their  privileges 
will  be  invaded ;  but  't  is  thought  convenient  that  young  Capt. 
Finney  should  be  obliged,  and  continued.  To-day  the  mayor 
and  aldermen  waited  on  the  governor,  according  to  appoint- 
ment, for  an  answer,  and  received  one,  of  which  a  copy  is  en- 
closed, at  the  council  table;  and  this  also  being  the  day  for 
electing  a  new  mayor,  Griffith  Jones  is  c^iosen,  and  was  pre- 
sented to  the  governor  to  be  qualified  according  to  charter  : 
they  have  also  received  Joshua  Carpenter  again  into  their  cor- 
poration, who  was  the  first  alderman  nominated  by  thee  in  the 
charter;  but,  for  avow  or  oath^  he  had  made  never  to  serve 
under  thee  again,  declined  acting,  yet  now  has,  it  seems,  been 
prevailed  upon.  He  is  a  great  enemy  to  the  militia,  and  to  pay- 
ing thy  tax ;  I  know  not  whether  that  may  be  any  part  of  his 
merit.  He  is  of  himself  really  a  good  man,  and  they  say  this 
change  in  him  arises  from  an  abhorrence  he  has  conceived  of 
his  former  great  friend,  John  Moore,  and  his  practices  upon  his 
succession  to  the  collector's  place,  who  has  given  a  general  dis- 
gust in  his  new  office  by  his  great  rigor,  though  the  merchants, 
for  fear  of  falling  under  the  lash,  keep  in  some  measure  in  with 
him. 

The  presentment  of  thy  son  to  the  mayor's  court  by  the  grand 
jury  has  given  so  great  an  offence  to  others,  besides  himself, 
that  several  have  shown  their  resentment  against  it  as  a  great 
barbarity,  and  some,  taking  advantage  from  hence,  have  in  the 
night-time  committed  some  disorders  in  the  streets,  in  which 
hirnself,  I  think,  has  been  no  ways  concerned ;  complaints  have 
been  made  of  this,  and  indeed  the  remonstrance  is  in  some 
measure  grounded  upon  it.  To  prevent  all  occasions  from  hence, 
therefore,  and  to  show  that  it  has  been  by  no  manner  of  en- 
couragement from  the  government,  'tis  ordered  in  council 
that  a  proclamation  be  forthwith  issued  for  suppressing  of  vice, 
&c.,  of  which  one,  I  suppose,  may  be  ready  to  come  by  the  man- 
of-war. 

'  Joshua  Carpenter  was  brother  to  Samuel,  but  not  of  the  same  reli- 
gious profession. — L. 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  323 

David  Lloyd  being  recorder  of  the  city,  and  likely,  in  all 
probability,  to  be  speaker  also  of  the  next  assembly,  from  his 
temper  so  well  known  there  seems  but  little  good  to  be  expected. 
The  generality,  however,  are  honestly  and  well  inclined,  and 
out  of  assembly  are  very  good  men ;  but  when  got  together,  I 
know  not  how  they  are  infatuated  and  led  by  smooth  stories. 
David  himself  makes  as  great  professions  as  any  man,  but  we 
can  see  no  good  effects  of  it.  He  admires  Judge  Mompesson, 
who,  on  the   other  hand,  thinks  him  and  the  generality  of  his 

adherents,  to  be  little  better  than  a  pack  of  ungrateful  k s, 

as  I  suppose  thou  wilt  find  by  his  writing,  and  seems  of  opinion 
that  thou  wilt  be  much  in  the  wrong  to  thyself  if  thou  slips  the 
opportunity  of  advantage  through  any  regard  to  them. 

Upon  the  whole,  as  to  myself,  I  am  lost  in  a  wilderness  at  the 
thoughts  of  it,  and  know  not  how  to  express  my  sentiments. 
The  part  thou  hast  hitherto  had  to  manage  in  the  world  will  not 
suffer  thee  with  any  honor  utterly  to  desert  this  people ;  and  on 
the  other  side  I  cannot  see  why  thou  should  neglect  thy  just  in- 
terest, while  no  more  gratitude  is  shown  thee.  Were  one  man 
from  amongst  us  we  might  perhaps  be  happy  ;  but  he  is  truly  a 
promoter  of  discord,  but  with  more  bitterness,  with  the  deepest 
artifice  under  the  smoothest  language  and  pretences,  yet  cannot 
sometimes  conceal  his  resentment  of  thy  taking,  as  he  calls 
it,  his  bread  from  him ;  this  expression  he  has  several  times 
dropped,  overlooking  his  politics  through  the  heat  of  his  indig- 
nation. I  cannot  but  pity  the  poor  misled  people,  who  really 
design  honestly,  but  know  not  whom  to  trust  for  their  directors; 
they  are  so  often  told  that  things  want  to  be  mended,  that  at 
length  they  are  persuaded  it  is  the  case,  and  not  knowing  how 
to  do  it  themselves,  believe  those  who  can  discover  the  disease 
are  the  most  capable  to  direct  the  proper  remedies ;  how  ends 
may  be  gained  thus  is  easy  to  imagine.  I  have  a  tenderness  in 
my  own  thoughts  for  the  people,  but  cannot  but  abhor  the  ap- 
pearance of  baseness  ;  I  believe  in  the  whole  assembly  there  are 
not  three  men  that  wish  ill  to  thee,  and  yet  I  can  expect  but 
little  good  from  them.  Thy  friends  in  the  council  are  disabled 
from  serving  thee  with  the  country  by  their  being  so,  for  they 
are  looked  on  as  ill  here  as  the  Court  party  at  home,  by  those 


324  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

that  some  reckoned  the  honest  men  of  the  country.  I  am  sorry 
we  have  lost,  this  election,  two  or  three  good  men  that  were  in 
the  last,  as  Samuel  Richardson  and  Nicholas  Wain,  who  is  now 
pretty  right,  but  especially  my  late  landlord,  Isaac  Norris,  who 
was  the  chief  man  of  sound  sense  and  probity  amongst  them, 

and  the  greatest  clog  in  their  way I  was  never  under  a 

greater  depression  of  thought  than  for  these  few  months  past. 
Thy  estate  here  daily  sinking  by  the  country's  impoverishing, 
with  thy  exigencies  increasing,  suffer  me  not  to  know  what  any 
of  the  comforts  of  life  are,  and  this  business  of  Wm.  Aubrey's 
is  a  heavy  addition.  I  write  this  to  thyself,  and  cannot  forbear 
saying  he  seems  to  me  one  of  the  keenest  men  living,  but  be- 
lieve I  write  no  news.  This  intolerable  interest  weighs  heavy, 
and  yet  we  are  furnished  with  no  means  to  ease  it :  what  is 
hitherto  due  I  hope  to  clear  this  winter,  but  we  have  no  power 
to  make  any  manner  of  title,  either  to  lot  or  lands,  till  new 
writings  are  received  ;  they  are  both  already  confirmed  by  patent, 
and  by  the  recital  of  these  patents  must  be  made  over  to  the 
trustees,  and  then  a  firm  letter  of  attorney  given  by  them,  wit- 
nessed according  to  our  law  by  persons  that  can  be  present  here 
to  prove  it,  otherwise  no  title  can  be  made.  I  have  ^^"500  of  this 
money  of  theirs  at  interest,  which  I  hope  to  receive  in  by  some 
means  or  other  against  the  spring,  and  there  was  more  than 
;^30O  of  that  estate  made  use  of,  the  first  year  after  thy  depart- 
ure, when  I  straitened  so  much  to  make  returns,  and  hoped  in 
a  little  time  after  to  be  able  to  repay  it,  from  the  sales  of  land 
we  had  made,  not  fearing  then  so  great  a  disappointment  in 
business,  nor  knowing  anything  of  Letitia's  marriage  —  of  this 
^200  went  to  pay  part  of  Solomon  Warder's  bill  of  ^^450  —  but 
I  now  dearly  repent  it,  though  what  I  did  was  of  necessity.  I 
shall  use  my  utmost  endeavors  to  keep  touch  with  William 
Aubrey  and  clear  off  all  in  my  hands,  or  rather  what  I  have  dis- 
posed of,  for  in  my  hands  I  have  nothing.  And  must  also,  upon 
the  clause  in  the  letter  of  attorney  to  Richard  Hill  and  Reese 
Thomas,  where  thou  gives  them  power  to  sue  me  for  that  interest 
money,  take  leave  to  assure  thee  that  ever  since  six  months  after 
thy  departure  thou  hast  never  been  less  than  ^100  in  my  debt 
upon  a  fair  account,  besides  that  I  have  several  times  given  my 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  325 

own  bonds  to  answer  engagements  in  thy  affairs,  and  have  never 
since  had  ;^20  of  my  own  by  me,  nor  can  at  this  time,  with  any- 
thing of  my  own  that  I  have  kept  in  my  hands,  pay  for  a  suit  of 
clothes  when  I  want  them.     I  have  ventured,  it  is  true,  some 
small  matters  of  wheat,  bread,  and  flour,  &c.,  to  sea  on  my  own 
account ;  yet  when   returns  have  been   made  for  it,  they  have 
been  melted  down  always  with  the  rest  to  answer  thy  occasions. 
Money  is  so  scarce  that  many  good  farmers  now  scarce  ever  see 
a  piece  of  eight  of  their  own  throughout  the  whole  year;  what 
there  is,  as  I  have  often  said,  is  in  town,  and,  therefore,  neither 
rents  nor  other  pay  can  be  had  in  money,  and  wheat  for  two 
years  past  has  been  worth  very  little.     The  pay  for  the  land  sold 
near  New  Castle  now  becomes  due,  and  is  above  ;^3,C)00,  but  I 
have  not  yet  received  ^^^200,  and  that  too  in  bread  and  flour,  nor 
will  ever  one-half  of  it  be  paid,  unless  times   much  mend,  thy 
land,  as   in   many  other  places,  will  be  thrown, on   our  hands 
again.     The  business  of  Susquehanna  is  much  the  same.     I  wish 
thou  could  be  here  thyself,  for  I  cannot  bear  up  under  all  these 
hardships  :  they  break  my  rest,  and  I  doubt  will  sink  me  at  last; 
there  is  none  that  puts  in  a  proportionable  hand  to  help  to  ease  ; 
and  I  am   sure,  however,  I   may  be  blamed  for  want  of  bdtter 
success.     I  have  been  so  true  to  thee,  that  I  am  not  just  to  my- 
self, and  had  I  now  a  family,  it  would   appear  that   there   has 
scarce  been  a  greater  knave  in  America  to  another's  affairs  than 
I  have  been  to  my  own  :  but  at  this  distance  these  things  will 
scarce  be  believed;  I  want  therefore  thyself  here.     The  Queen's 
proclamation  for  altering  the  money  is  just  come  over,  but  will 
answer  no  one  good  end  that  I  know  of,  it  is  so  very  much  con- 
fused and  perplexing.     I  design  a  copy  of  this  by  the  man-of- 
war,  and  the  exemplifications  of  those  patents  I  mentioned,  if  I 
cannot  now  get  them  ready.    I  have  been  desirous  that  this  vessel 
should  go  in  company  of  the  frigate  for  convoy,  but  the  master 
and  the  other  owners  are  very  unwilling,  believing  she  would  be 
served  as  the  Industry  was  before,  when  left  as  soon  as  at  sea, 
after  two  months  waiting  at  York  for  Capt.  Catterval.     I  hope, 
whatever  becomes  of  her,  insurance  is  made,  and  that  will  be 
some  recompense  should  she  miscarry.     I  have  put  on  board  of 
her  for  thy  use  a  hogshead  of  very  good  Madeira  wine,  charged 


326  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

at  ;{^24  per  pipe,  but  the  cask  being  six  gallons  overgaged  comes 
to  ^14  with  the  cask  and  charges 

Poor  Susanna  Reading  having  been  long  in  a  miserable  con- 
dition here,  and  very  desirous  to  return  to  her  relations,  I  have 
procured  her  a  passage  in  the  vessel,  for  which  I  must  answer 
£12,  and  she  has  given  me  her  note  for  ^8  sterling,  enclosed, 
payable  to  John  Askew;  if  thou  thinkest  to  take  the  money,  thou 
may  deliver  the  bill  to  him,  and  she  will  endeavor  to  get  it  of 
her  friends  there ;  her  husband  pays  ;^8  sterling  besides ;  hers 
is  for  herself  and  child,  or  if  thou  please  to  give  only  thy  own 
part,  the  -rest  will  be  ^5  13s.  4d.  I  could  not  beg  her  passage 
of  the  rest,  otherwise  should  have  charged  nothing. 

Mr.  William  last  night  sold  his  manor  on  Schuylkill  for;^850 
to  William  Trent  and  Isaac  Norris ;  they  were  unwilling  to 
touch  with  it,  but  he  was  resolved  to  sell  and  they  careless  of 
buying,  for  without  a  great  prospect  none  will  meddle  now  with 
land  unless  under  a  necessity. 

To-day,  Griffith  Jones,  the  new  mayor,  treats  the  governor 
and  council.  Thy  son  will  be  there:  he  is  like  to  leave  us  in 
some  anger;  my  utmost  study  shall  be  to  keep  things  calm  and 
easy  till  thou  hast  time  to  do  for  thyself,  which  I  wish  were 
speedy,  still  not  forgetting  the  honest  among  this  people,  as  thy 
own  honor.  The  last  proclamation  about  Story  was  very  sea- 
sonable on  the  governor's  account,  to  exempt  him  from  blame 
with  the  ministry :  he,  by  that,  having  prevented  Quary's  com- 
plaint, in  answer  to  three  several  letters,  he  says,  from  the  Lords 
of  Trade,  on  that  subject,  which  he  was  ready  to  send  over,  of 
its  not  being  observed ;  but  had  I  been  in  his  place  I  should 
have  done  my  utmost  to  have  prevented  it.  I  cannot  add  but 
that  I  am,  with  due  respects  to  thyself  and  the  family,  thy 
faithful  and  obedient  servant,  J.  Logan. 

8^r.  6t/i,  1704. 


1704.]  correspondence.  327 

David  Lloyd  to  G.  W.,  &c. 
A  Letter  accompanying  the  "  Remonstrance!' 

Philadelphia,  2)^^l>r.,  1704. 

Honored  Friends  G.  W.,  W.  M.,  T.  L.  :^ — This  comes  along 
with  a  representation  or  remonstrance^  from  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  this  province  to  William  Penn,  and  I  am  requested,  in 
behalf  of  the  inhabitants  here,  to  entreat  that  you  would  lay 
these  things  before  him,  and  get  such  relief  therein  as  may  be 
obtained  from  him,  and  if  you  find  him  still  remiss  in  perform- 
ing his  promises  or  engagements  towards  us,  or  making  terms 
for  himself,  as  he  calls  it,  we  desire  you  will  be  pleased  by 
such  Christian  measures  as  you  shall  see  meet,  to  oblige  him  to 
do  the  people  justice  in  those  things  [in]  which  this  representa- 
tion shows  he  has  been  deficient. 

Here  also  is  inclosed  a  copy  of  a  bill,  which  this  last  assem- 
bly prepared  to  be  passed  into  a  law,  that  the  affirmation  should 
pass,  instead  of  an  oath :  be  pleased  to  consider  the  reason  and 
necessity  of  our  having  such  a  law,  and  solicit  the  Queen  about 
it,  for  we  cannot  find  that  William  Penn  has  done  an}'thing  for 
our  relief  in  that  particular;  but  his  deputy  here  has  given  forth 
a  proclamation  to  declare  the  proceedings  of  our  courts  null  and 
void  in  all  causes  where  the  procedure  is  without  oath,  though 
the  affirmation  is  looked  upon  by  the  generality  of  the  people 
who  are  not  of  our  persuasion  to  be  as  binding  as  an  oath.  This 
proclamation,  as  also  another  proclamation  for  raising  a  militia, 
are  pretended  to  be  made  to  recommend  Wm.  Penn's  adminis- 
tration to  the  favorable  notice  of  the  Queen  ;  but  to  our  sorrow 
we  find  they  prove  screens  to  the  most  abominable  wickedness, 
as  well  as  to  weaken  the  hands  of  Friends  in  the  suppressing 
vice  and  debauchery,  and  not  only  so,  but  the  said  proclama- 
tions, especially  the  last  about  oaths,  leaves  a  door  open  for  the 
greatest  malefactors  to  escape  unpunished,  and  shuts  out  Friends 
from  being  magistrates,  and  by  consequence  lets  in  the  vilest  of 
men  to  the  administration  of  justice.     We  desire  your  utmost 

'  George  Whitehead,  William  Meade,  and  Thomas  Lawrie  probably. 
—  L. 

'  [This  is  not  copied  by  Mrs.  Logan,  nor  do  we  know  of  its  existence. 
The  heads  of  it  are  given  in  ist  vol.  Votes  of  Assembly. — Editor.] 


328  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

assistance  in  this  thing.  Here  are  also  inclosed  duplicates  of 
our  addresses  to  the  Queen.  They  have  been  sent  several  ways. 
I  hope  some  will  come  to  hand. 

Our  assembly  have  agreed  to  raise  ;i^iOO  this  year,  and  I  pre- 
sume will,  at  their  next  meeting,  make  it  an  annual  fund  to 
defray  the  charge  of  a  correspondence  which  they  desire  to  have 
settled  for  negotiating  the  affairs  of  the  province,  for  you  now 
see  how  we  have  been  abused  trusting  to  William  Penn. 

We  have  sent  an  address  to  him,  along  with  those  to  the 
Queen,  dated  in  the  3d-m.o.  last,  since  which  we  found  that  he 
had  not  got  our  laws  approved  of  by  the  Queen,  nor  obtained 
any  relief  for  us,  against  the  inconveniency  we  labored  under 
by  reason  of  her  late  order  about  oaths,  which  we  expected 
from  him,  and  also  we  have  had  reason,  since  that  address,  to 
change  our  opinion  of  his  deputy,  who  has  much  altered  his 
measures  in  government,  from  what  he  then,  and  all  along  be- 
fore that  time,  gave  us  assurance  of  The  tokens  we  had  of  his 
closing  with  our  enemies,  and  plain  demonstration  of  his  master, 
William  Penn's,  neglect  towards  us,  before  the  assembly  ended, 
moved  us  to  deal  thus  plainly  with  William  Penn,  and  if  he 
shall  endeavor  to  make  representation,  inconsistent  with  the 
address,  I  hope  you  will  consider  that  the  representation  is 
three  months  after  the  address,  in  which  time  observing  all  pas- 
sages that  occurred  to  our  notice,  we  found  sufficient  cause  to 
alter  our  opinion,  and  fall  upon  these  measures,  and  the  address 
being  signed  three  months  before  the  representation,  by  order 
of  the  house,  it  could  not  be  recalled,  else  I  believe  it  would. 

Friends,  it's  the  public  cries  for  your  assistance,  which  I  hope 
will  excuse  me,  who  am  unknown  to  you,  thus  far  to  trouble 
you.  I  suppose  you  will  have  a  more  ample  account  by  others 
of  the  condition  this  poor  prorvince  is  brought  to  by  the  late 
revels  and  disorders  which  young  William  Penn  and  his  gang 
of  loose  fellows  he  accompanies  with  are  found  in,  to  the  great 
grief  of  Friends  and  others  in  this  place.  If  there  were  an  able 
counsellor  at  law  that  were  a  person  of  sobriety  and  modera- 
tion, but  not  in  William  Penn's  interest,  commissioned  by  the 
Queen  to  be  judge  of  the  province  and  lower  counties,  as  also 
of  the  Jerseys,  which  they,  as  well  as  we,  extremely  want,  and 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  329 

are  also  willing  to  support,  I  doubt  not  but  his  place  may  be 
worth  4  or  500  per  annum,  besides  fees  and  perquisites,  and  the 
business  of  their  provinces  may  be  easily  performed  by  one 
chief  judge,  with  certain  associates  which  the  respective  counties, 
as  he  goes  his  circuit,  will  supply.  I  desire  you  may  use  your 
endeavors  to  get  such  a  man.  Here  was  one  Roger  Mompes- 
son,  who  we  thought  to  engage  in  that  affair,  but  he  being 
judge  of  the  admiralty,  and  chief  judge  of  the  supreme  court  at 
New  York,  he  could  not  stay  here.  Besides,  he  was  too  much 
in  William  Penn's  interest,  and  given  to  drink,  so  that  he  did 
not  suit  this  place  so  well.  This,  with  unfeigned  love,  is  all  at 
present  from  Your  friend  to  serve  you  in  what  I  can, 

David  Lloyd. 


[An  old  paper,  in  James  Logan's  handwriting,  which  appears 
to  be  in  justification  of  himself,  gives  the  following  account  of 
the  rise  of  this  remonstrance,  and  of  David  Lloyd's  extraordi- 
nary conduct  respecting  it,  as  follows.  —  L.] 

But  when  Governor  Evans  came  in,  and  the  assembly  elected 
before  his  arrival,  of  which  David  Lloyd  had  been  chosen  speaker, 
was  to  act  as  a  house,  then  was  a  proper  scene  presented,  and 
accordingly  he  acquitted  himself  After  some  endeavors  for  a 
reunion  of  the  province  and  territories,  one  of  the  first  things 
proposed  to  that  house  were  the  Queen's  commands  for  our  con- 
tingent to  New  York,  with  which  the  assembly  thought  not  fit 
to  comply,  and  accordingly  answered,  but  in  very  becoming 
language.  The  governor  was  so  unfortunate  as  not  to  think 
that  answer  sufficient,  but  pressed  the  house  further  to  consider 
those  commands ;  upon  which  the  speaker,  in  a  large  written 
message,  which  was  read  to  the  house,  showed  his  resent- 
ments, and,  in  answer  to  a  message  on  which  I  was  sent  to  the 
house,  taxed  the  governor  of  mistaking  himself  in  offering  to 
contradict  the  mind  (as  he  called  it)  of  the  assembly,  and  which 
laid  a  foundation  for  the  first  misunderstanding  with  that  gov- 
ernor. The  same  afternoon,  as  I  remember,  in  answer  to  an- 
other message,  on  which  I  was  also  sent,  he  told  me  abruptly 


330  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

that  the  house  had  other  matters  under  consideration  :  they 
were  considering,  he  said,  whether  they  could  own  the  govern- 
or's commission,  or  act  in  conjunction  with  him  ;  an  answer  not 
the  most  proper,  any  discreet  man  would  think,  to  be  sent  to 
the  governor  within  a  very  few  days  of  their  meeting,  to  a 
message  quite  foreign  to  any  such  debate :  I  say,  had  it  been 
true  the  house  were  on  such  a  debate,  such  an  answer  to  a  very 
friendly  message  must  be  accounted  angry  and  indiscreet;  but 
it  happened  there  was  no  such  debate,  nothing  like  it,  under 
the  house's  consideration  ;  of  which  a  member,  then  rising  up, 
thought  fit  to  take  notice  of  in  my  presence,  and  desired  that  I 
might  not  carry  this  answer  to  the  governor,  the  speaker  having 
no  authority  from  the  house  to  give  it.  What  debates  this 
might  afterwards  occasion  in  the  assembly  after  my  departure, 
I  know  not ;  but  from  that  time  I  knew  a  party  was  made  to 
quarrel  with  the  governor's  commission  till,  after  tedious  dis- 
putes, the  council  allayed  those  contentions  ;  and  from  thence 
were  occasions  taken  to  discourse  of  everything  from  the  first 
foundation  of  this  government  that  would  admit  of  any  turn  to 
the  proprietor's  disadvantage ;  but  the  principal  was  that,  in  his 
commission  to  Governor  Evans,  drawn,  as  'tis  supposed,  in  haste, 
by  a  copy  in  the  proprietor's  own  hand,  by  him,  of  that  to  Gov. 
Hamilton,  which  last-mentioned  was  prepared  and  finished  be- 
fore the  charter  of  privileges  was  in  being,  there  was  one  or  two 
clauses  which  seemed  not  consistent  with  that  charter.  Upon 
this,  with  some  other  heads  then  resolved  on,  it  was  concluded, 
just  at  the  close  of  that  session  in  the  month  of  August,  that  a 
representation  should  be  drawn  up  to  the  proprietor.  The  heads 
were  put  in  writing,  and  read  in  haste  in  the  house  as  it  was  about 
breaking  up ;  and  in  the  same  haste  it  was  ordered  that  about 
eight  members  then  nominated  should  be  a  committee  for  that 
purpose,  of  which  members,  some  being  known  to  have  a  due 
regard  to  the  proprietor  in  his  station,  and  very  fit  to  be  em- 
ployed in  such  an  affair,  the  rest  of  the  house  acquiesced  in  it. 
But  this  order,  as  it  was  then  drawn  up  in  the  house,  would  not, 
it  seems,  come  up  to  the  end  that  David  Lloyd  resolved  to  em- 
ploy it :  he  therefore  new-vamped  it,  and  added  the  minute  in 
his  own  hand  what  he  thought  fit,  as  afterwards  fully  appeared 


1704.1  CORRESPONDENCE.  33I 

upon  view  to  those  whom  it  concerned  to  inquire  into  it ;  of  all 
which,  here  alleged  by  me,  there  are  now  those  in  this  place, 
of  unblemished  credit  and  undoubted  veracity,  who  were  wit- 
nesses, not  only  in  the  house,  but  some  of  them  afterwards 
viewed  the  interpolated  minute.  Under  pretence  of  this  order, 
David  Lloyd  prepared  a  most  virulent,  unmannerly  invective 
against  the  proprietor,  dressing  whatever  had  been  mentioned 
in  the  minute  by  the  house  in  rude  and  most  affrontive  language, 
and  foisting  in  other  matters  that  he  had  no  shadow  of  pre- 
tence for ;  nor  did  he  ever,  as  far  as  could  be  learned  by  inquiry, 
confer  with  or  consult  upon  it  with  any  one  of  the  persons  ap- 
pointed but  Griffith  Jones  and  Jos.  Wilcox,  whom  he  knew  to 
be  the  readiest  to  countenance  the  design.  After  the  year  that 
house  could  sit  was  expired,  and  the  assembly  of  course  dis- 
solved, and  a  new  election  made,  and  he  no  longer  speaker,  viz., 
on  the  2d  or  3d  of  October,  he  brought  it  finished  and  fair 
drawn,  under  the  title  of  "  A  Remonstrance,"  but  not  yet  signed 
by  him,  to  some  of  the  rest;  but  he  having  [drawn  it?]  without 
consulting  them,  and  the  assembly  being  of  course  dissolved, 
they  refused  to  be  concerned  in  it. 

Thus  the  monstrous  invective  drawn  by  David  Lloyd,  or  at 
best  with  J.  W.'s  and  G.  J.'s  assistance,  though  the  former  has 
denied  it,  instead  of  a  letter  to  be  prepared  by  the  persons  ap- 
pointed, and  without  further  approbation,  he  had  the  temerity  to 
sign  as  speaker,  and  in  the  name  of  all  the  freemen  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, abusing  their  proprietor  and  chief  governor,  not  only  with 
gross  falsehoods,  but  in  the  most  unmannerly  terms  that  could  be 
used  on  such  an  occasion ;  and  not  being  content  to  send  it  thus 
to  the  proprietor  himself,  he  inclosed  it  to  two  persons  known 
to  be  the  most  disaffected  to  the  proprietor  of  any  of  their  pro- 
fession in  England,  joining  with  them  G.  W.,  from  whom  alsft, 
it  seems,  he  had  some  hopes ;  and  with  it  sends  them  a  letter,  in 
the  same  dialect,  in  relation  to  the  proprietor,  of  which  I  here- 
with publish  [furnish?]  a  copy,  and  soon  shall  have  further  oc- 
casion to  speak. 

The  next  assembly,  hearing  of  this  remonstrance,  required  an 
account  of  it,  had  it  read  in  the  house,  condemned  it  forthwith, 
and  ordered  David  Lloyd  to  write  a  letter  to  its  bearer,  who  had 


332  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [J704- 

put  into  New  York,  requiring  him  to  send  it  back.  Whether 
this  letter  was  delivered  or  not,  I  cannot  say,  but  't  is  cer- 
tain he  wrote  to  Robert  Barber,  who  was  the  bearer  of  another 
letter,  in  which  he  charged  him,  notwithstanding  any  orders 
he  might  receive  from  any  person  whatsoever,  to  keep  the  pack- 
ets he  had  committed  to  him,  and  deliver  them  in  England  as 
directed ;  but  the  man  being  taken  into  France  in  his  passage 
home,  he  lost  them  all ;  and  a  friend  of  the  proprietor's,  hap- 
pening to  be  a  fellow-prisoner  in  the  same  place,  meeting  with 
them  after  they  had  been  opened  by  the  enemy,  carefully  picked 
them  up,  and  got  leave  to  carry  them  with  him  to  England ;  so 
that  all  the  letters  David  Lloyd  had  wrote  relating  to  this  affair, 
were  delivered  into  the  proprietor's  own  hands. 

After  this  miscarriage,  and  after  the  house  had  disowned  this 
remonstrance  and  ordered  it  thus  to  be  recalled,  one  might  rea- 
sonably conclude  a  full  period  might  be  put  to  that  forever ;  but 
David  Lloyd  would  not  thus  be  defeated  in  his  design :  he  again 
sends  a  duplicate  of  it  to  the  same  hands,  to  be  used  for  the 
same  purpose  to  which  the  first  was  intended ;  but  finding  him- 
self, as  it  appears,  unable,  notwithstanding  he  has  had  some  tol- 
erable opportunities  for  it  since,  to  procure  this  supposititious 
remonstrance  to  be  made  the  legitimate  act  of  the  assembly,  he 
resolved,  though  surreptitiously,  to  get  it  adopted.  He  accord- 
ingly, some  time  after,  found  a  new  assembly  that  were  free 
enough  in  finding  faults,  and  telling  not  only  the  proprietor  of 
them,  but  those  other  persons  also  that  I  have  mentioned.  To 
these  persons  was  a  copy  of  a  new  remonstrance  sent,  which 
was  designed  for  the  proprietor ;  and  this  was  really  the  act  of 
the  house ;  and  in  this,  coraplaining  of  grievances  in  general 
terms,  David  craftily  adds  in  the  margin,  by  a  note  of  reference 
wrote  in  his  own  hand,  "  See  the  remonstrance  of  the  assembly  in 
1704;  "  such  mean  and  ungenerous  shifts  will  the  bitterness  of 
some  tempers  oblige  them  to  submit  to  ;  and  he  has  skill  enough 
himself  in  the  law  to  know  that  such  practices  as  fixing  on  the 
whole  body  of  the  people  the  overflowing  of  his  gall,  the  send- 
ing in  their  name,  but  without  their  approbation  or  knowledge, 
and  engaging  them  in  a  kind  of  war  with  their  rightful  governor, 
and  contradicting  their  orders  sent  by  his  own  hand  for  recall- 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  333 

ing  that  remonstrance,  would,  in  some  of  the  Queen's  domin- 
ions, were  the  same  to  be  acted  there,  be  atoned  for  by  a  pun- 
ishment too  gross  to  be  named  here. 

To  make  any  observation  on  this  relation  is  almost  unneces- 
sary; his  baseness  to  the  proprietor  in  the  whole,  his  treachery 
to  the  assembly  and  great  abuse  of  his  trust,  so  clearly  appear 
as  scarce  to  admit  of  any  aggravation  ;  nor  is  there  occasion  to 
say  more  of  his  letter  to  G.  W.,  W.  M.,  and  T.  L.,  than  barely 
to  expose  it;  his  undertaking  to  write  of  affairs  so  nearly  con- 
cerning the  public  to  strangers,  to  whom  this  province  stands  in 
no  relation,  pitched  on  principally  because  two  of  them  were 
known  to  be  the  proprietor's  adversaries;  his  great  misrepre- 
sentations, particularly  in  what  he  says  of  the  governor's  proc- 
lamation about  oaths  ;  his  representing  that,  as  Friends  are  shut 
out,  by  consequence  the  vilest  of  men  [are]  let  into  the  adminis- 
tration,; his  undertaking  to  give  ;^I00  a  year  of  the  public  money 
for  an  annual  pension  to  these  men  without  any  authority  for  it ; 
his  invalidating  the  assembly's  former  address,  full  of  respect 
and  kindness  to  the  proprietor,  and  pretending  to  account  for 
the  inconsistency  of  their  genuine  address  and  his  adulterate 
remonstrance  by  the  idlest  excuses  ;  his  encouragement,  with- 
out authority,  to  those  strangers  to  us,  to  obtain  a  chief  justice 
with  the  Queen's  commission,  whilst  the  government  is  in  the 
hands  of  the  proprietor,  and  thereby  to  violate  the  royal  charter, 
on  which  the  whole  constitution  of  this  government  depends ; 
his  making  it  an  objection  against  a  magistrate  in  this  province, 
that  he  is  in  the  proprietor's  interest,  by  which  he  plainly  shows 
that  he  at  least  would  have  none  employed  that  are  so ;  his 
falsehood  and  treachery  to  Judge  Mompesson,  for  whom  he  pro- 
fessed the  highest  respect,  and  deeply  engaged  to  serve  him,  by 
procuring,  if  possible,  a  salary  from  the  assembly ;  and,  to  give 
one  lively  instance  more  of  his  enmity  to  the  proprietor,  I  must 
add  that,  when  most  men  of  conscience  or  honor,  of  all  persua- 
sions, were  moved  with  a  generous  horror  at  the  unparalleled 
abuses,  cheats,  and  impositions  put  upon  William  Penn  by  Philip 
Ford,  his  steward  and  agent,  in  whom  he  had  confided  to  the 
greatest  extent  when  this  province  was  by  their  means  in 
danger  of  being  thrown  into  very  deep  confusion  in  matters  of 


334  TENN   AND   LOGAN  [l704- 

property  and  lands;  notwithstanding,  David  Lloyd  found  it 
necessary  for  him  to  seem  to  condole  the  great  unhappiness 
here,  and  to  several  expressed  himself  desirous  to  rescue  the 
province  out  of  the  oppressor's  hands ;  yet  how  in  reality  he 
stood  affected,  what  were  his  true  inclinations,  and  how  eager 
he  was  that  that  family  should  obtain  their  unjust  ends,  will  also 
evidently  appear  by  the  copies  of  other  letters  which  he  wrote 
to  Philip  Ford  about  that  affair,  which  are  also  hereunto  an- 
nexed. There  are  also  many  other  demonstrations  of  the 
deep-rooted  aversion  he  bears  to  the  proprietor  (to  whom  not- 
withstanding he  is  under  the  duty  of  obedience  by  the  king's 
royal  charter)  which  I  could  easily  produce ;  but  if  these  I  have 
given,  with  the  constant  strain  of  disrespect  expressed  in  almost 
all  the  papers  which  of  late  years  he  has  drawn,  are  not  abun- 
dantly sufficient  to  prove  him  possessed  of  the  malignity  I  have 
taxed  him  with,  I  confess  I  have  hitherto  grossly  erred  in  my 
opinion.  And  if  I  think  myself  obliged  to  oppose  any  of  his 
attempts  against  that  just  and  honest  interest  in  which  I  am 
engaged,  I  hope  that,  instead  of  incurring  the  censure,  I  shall 
gain  the  approbation  of  all  men  of  honor  who  know  how  to 
value  fidelity  and  a  hearty  endeavor  honestly  to  discharge  a 
trust.  The  satisfaction  and  confidence  I  have  always  had  in 
this,  long  has  rendered  me  more  easy  than  some  thought  fit,  and 
it  is  not  without  reluctancy  I  now  find  myself  obliged  to  appear. 
What  I  have  here  alleged  I  shall  be  glad  to  have  an  opportu- 
nity of  proving,  and  at  the  same  time  no  less  pleased  to  be 
heard  upon  any  charge  that  either  the  assembly  or  any  others 
have  to  bring  against  me.  J.  L. 

[There  is  no  date  to  this  paper,  but  it  appears  to  have  been 
addressed  to  Governor  Gookin.  Surely,  when  this  history  of 
the  remonstrance  of  1704  is  known,  it  must  cease  to  be  con- 
sidered as  the  complaint  of  the  freemen  of  Pennsylvania  against 
William  Penn.  —  L.] 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  335 

H-ANNAH    PeNN    to   JaMKS    LoGAN.^ 

Bristol,  5M  ^th-mo.,  1704. 
Esteemed  Friend: — As  I  often  thought  of  thy  silence  to  be 
long  ere  thy  letter  came  to  my  hand,  so  thou  may  reasonably 
think  I  have  been  long  in  answering  it;  but  'tis  not  too  late 
now  to  say  I  took  it  very  kindly,  and  was  well  pleased  with  the 
particular  account  thou  sent  of  my  acquaintance  there,  for  many 
of  whom  I  have  a  real  value,  and  am  glad  of  all  opportunities 
in  which  I  can  hear  of  their  increase  and  welfare.  I  should 
have  rejoiced  with  thee  in  thy  happiness,  if  thy  endeavors  on 
the  hill  had  proved  successful ;  but  as  I  always  feared  the  end, 
so  I  am  glad  to  find  thou  hast  been  enabled  to  bear  the  disap- 
pointment so  well,  hoping  thou  wilt  gain  some  advantage,  which 
affliction,  at  long  run,  often  brings  us ;  and  if  Providence  make 
way  for  your  greater  union,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  hear  of  it. 
This  comes  by  Samuel  Hollester,  a  kinsman's  son,  whom  thou 
well  knows  has  served  his  time  with  Arthur  Thomas  ;  but  his 
indifference  to  his  trade,  his  small  stock,  and  dulness  of  the 
times,  discouraged  his  following  that,  and  encouraged  his  incli- 
nation to  travel.  I  know  not  what  he  can  or  will  come  to,  but 
if  it  lie  in  thy  way  to  advise  him  for  his  advantage,  without 
being  burdensome  or  troublesome  to  thee,  I  shall  take  it  kindly. 
I  am  very  glad  our  son  likes  the  country  so  well,  and  has  his 
health  so  well  there.  'Tis  in  vain  to  wish,  or  it  should  be,  that 
he  had  seen  that  country  sooner,  (or  his  father  not  so  soon.)  I 
heartily  desire  his  welfare,  and,  if  there,  give  him  the  remem- 
brance of  my  dear  soul.  With  this  comes  a  letter  from  his  wife; 
so  that  I  need  say  the  less  of  her,  only  that  herself  and  the  three 
pretty  children  are  all  very  well,  for  aught  I  hear,  as  through 
the  Lord's  mercy  my  three  also  are,  and  myself  as  well  as 
my  circumstances  will  admit;  but  my  family  increases  apace, 
which  I  account  a  mercy,  and  yet  it  sometimes  makes  me 
thoughtful,  when  I  look  forward.  I  desire  not  greatness  for  any 
of  them,  and  am  well  satisfied  in  their  father's  kind  intention 
toward  them.     What  I  have  to  desire  of  thee  is,  to  follow  his 

^  [The  original  is  incomplete.  — Editor.] 


33'^  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

orders,  and  show  thy  regards  to  me  and  mine  by  a  firm  and 
speedy  establishment  thereof.  My  father  has  had  but  small 
encouragement  to  buy  more  land  there,  but  by  my  husband's 
advice  has  that  of  Margaret  Martindale,  in  which  I  hope  thou 
wilt  act  for  the  best  advantage  of  him  and  his.  In  some  late  or 
past  letter  I  perceive  thou  accounts  I  brought  over  for  him 
iJ"40;  but  that's  a  mistake.  I  blame  not  thy  memory,  knowing 
't  was  but  too  much  incumbered  at  that  time,  or  thou  might 
remember  I  told  thee  that  all  I  received  op  his  account  I  laid 
out  there  on  housekeeping  or  debts,  except  ;i^20  that  money, 
which  only  must  be  set  to  his  account  as  paid,  unless  thou  have 
returned  any  since.  I  think  I  did  receive,  or  thou,  £2^)  more  of 
T.  Pascalls  or  Roberts,  which  pray  give  him  credit  for;  and 
please  to  let  me  hear  what  market  the  workhouse  stuffs  came  to 
that  I  left  in  thine  or  M.  Shocker's  hands,  that  was  his  also.  He 
writes  to  thee  by  this  opportunity,  as  has  my  husband,  who  is 
now  in  London,  and  through  the  Lord's  goodness  enjoys  his 
health  pretty  well,  through  his  various  fatigues  and  exercises, 
and  often  hopes  to  see  Pennsylvania  once  more ;  but  the  ex- 
treme trouble  of  the  sea  does  a  little  discourage  me  as  yet.  I 
have  lengthened  this  letter  beyond  what  I  at  first  intended ; 
shall  not  much  more,  only  to  tell  thee  that  our  friend  Wm. 
Smith  is  lately  dead,  has  left  a  good  estate ;  but  what  good  uses 
his  son  Jos.  will  put  it  to  is  very  doubtful.  Poor  Hester  retains 
her  integrity,  has  three  fine  children,  one  son  and  two  daugh- 
ters ;  her  sister  Betty  one  girl,  and  lives  happily ;  the  two  elder 
brothers  apparently  hurt  by  their  father's  death.  Richard  has  been 
long  out  of  business ;  is  at  last  gone  partner  with  a  young  man 
in  London,  and  gives  some  small  hopes  to  his  friends  ;  but  Robert 
is  run  out  of  all,  the  very  professions  of  his  honest  father,  hav- 
ing bound  himself  in  profession  and  ceremony  to  the  Church  of 
England,  and  'tis  believed  will  marry  with  one  of  Sir  Wm. 
Cairn's  daughters.  Wm.  Mead's  son  has  done  the  like,  and  too 
many  of  more  inferior  ranks  followed  their  example  or  led  the 
way;  but  I  '11  say  no  more  of  that  now.  Thy  and  our  acquaint- 
ance here  are  generally  living  and  well.  Thos.  Speed  died 
some  time  since,  and  'tis  thought  his  widow  will  marry  with 
Isaac  Hemends.     Philip   Higginbotham,  of  Bedminster,  buried 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  337 

his  old  wife  about  a  year,  and  is  now  like  to  marry  with  young 
Dorcas.  I  refer  thee  to  the  bearer  for  a  further  account  of  them, 
by  whom  I  send  thee  two  pair  of  good  worsted  hose,  for  a  token. 
'T  is  a  small  one ;  but  as  returns  and  times  are,  I  am  forced  to 
be  more  backward  to  my  friends  than  I  otherwise  incline  to.  I 
say  this  to  excuse  the  smallness  of  my  present,  not  to  reflect  on 
thy  conduct,  for  I  am  ^ 

and  to  other  our  true  friends,  as  if  named,  which,  with  the  same 
to  thyself,  and  hearty  well-wishes  for  thy  present  comfort  and 
future  happiness,  I  conclude,  and  am 

Thy  assured  and  faithful  friend,  H.  P. 


Isaac  Norris  to  William  Penn. 
[^^xfracf."]  Philadelphia,  nth  ?>br.,  1704. 

Honored  Friend:  —  I  have  thine  of  Xbr.  last  per  thy  son; 
thy  kind  remembrance  of  me  and  mine  I  take  very  gratefully, 
and  lay  up  thy  letters  as  a  treasure  of  favors.  To  hear  of  the 
addition  to  thy  family  was  very  acceptable.  I  pray  God  to 
bless  them  to  thee 

This  comes  by  thy  son.  His  return  is  somewhat  sudden,  but  I 
suppose  the  unexpected  opportunity  by  the  Jersey  hastens  it ; 
and  I  wish  that  were  all.  He  for  some  little  time  at  his  fir.st 
coming,  till  better  conveniences  could  be  got,  took  up  with  the 
entertainment  my  house  could  give,  which  his  good  nature 
always  made  the  best  of  This  gave  me  the  favor  of  his  com- 
pany, and  sometimes,  as  thou  requested,  to  be  abroad  with  him, 
and  I  find  thy  character  exact.  I  love  him  heartily,  and  sin- 
cerely wish  his  present  and  eternal  welfare. 

Thou  wilt,  no  doubt,  have  fully  all  transactions  since  his  and 
the  governor's  arrival.  Some  things  seem  to  jar;  but  this  being 
out  of  my  province,  I  shall  only  take  up  the  commonplace  of 
our  opinionated  Judge  Guest,  and  wish  "  the  due  mean  be  ob- 

*  [Torn.  — Editor.] 
VOL.  I.  —  23 


338  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [l704- 

served  between  arbitrary  power  and  licentious  popularity,  as  it 
ought  to  be  in  a  well-tempered  authority." 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

Philadelphia,  21th  Zth-mo.,  1704. 
Honored  Governor:  —  Being  yesterday  returned  from  New 
York,  I  was  surprised  to  hear  of  a  letter,  sent  from  hence  to 
England,  directed  to  thee,  signed  by  David  Lloyd,  speaker  of 
the  assembly,  and  in  the  name  of  the  whole  house.  I  heard 
the  governor  first  mention  it,  but  the  following  account  is  what 
I  had  from  Isaac  Norris,  with  whom  alone  of  that  assembly  I 
have  had  an  opportunity  as  yet  to  discourse.  At  the  breaking 
up  of  last  assembly,  when  the  country  members  were  eager  to 
be  gone  home,  it  was  concluded  by  the  house,,  and  a  minute 
made  of  it,  that  there  should  be  an  address  drawn  up  to  thee, 
upon  some  heads  then  agreed  on,^  and  because  the  whole  house 
could  not  attend  to  it,  it  was  committed  to  David  Lloyd,  Joseph 
Wilcox,  Isaac  Norris,  Joseph  Wood,  Griffith  Jones,  Anthony 
Morris,  William  Biles,  and  Samuel  Richardson ;  but  they  never 
meeting  about  it,  Jos.  Wilcox,  as  Isaac  thinl^s,  drew  it. up,  stuff- 
ing it  with  all  the  most  scurrilous  and  scandalous  reflections, 
and  running  upon  a  great  many  particulars,  not  before  thought 
of,  or  once  touched  at,  by  the  assembly.  David  Lloyd  con- 
tributed his  assistance.  Griffith  Jones  and  Joseph  Wood  were 
privy  to  it,  and  agreed  to  what  was  done;  and  besides  those, 
not  one  person  ever  saw  it,  that  could  be  heard  of  upon  enquiry, 
except  Samuel  Richardson,  who  upon  a  cursory  view  declared 
his  dislike  of  it.  When  they  had  finished,  David,  without  fur- 
ther communicating  it  to  the  persons  concerned,  signed  it  as 
speaker  of  the  house,  after  the  ist  of  October,  when  the  assem- 
bly by  charter  is  dissolved,  and  therefore  he  no  speaker  at.  all. 
To  warrant  this  his  signing  it,  he  produces  an  order  for  it  in  the 
minutes ;  but  that  proves  to  be  an  interlineation  in  David's  own 

^  [See  I  Votes  of  Assembly,  part  2d,  p.  17,  minutes  of  26th  6th-mo., 
1704. — Editor.] 


I704-]  CORRESPONDENCE.  339 

hand,  and  in  a  different  ink,  inserted  between  the  close  of  the 
paragraph  and  the  adjournment.  The  letter  runs  as  if  from  the 
body  of  Friends,  and  even  talks  of  money  given  thee  by  Friends 
for  thy  assistance,  when  the  authors  of  it,  and  those  who  are  to 
represent  this  body,  are  those  four  I  have  mentioned,  viz.,  David 
Lloyd,  whom,  scarce  any  man  of  sense  believes  to  have  an\' 
religion  or  principles  but  that  of  his  interest  and  revenge;  Griffith 
Jones,  whose  reputation  has  been  very  scandalous,  was  rejected 
by  Friends,  and  is  not  yet  received;  J.  Wilcox,  who  has  long 
entirely  separated,  and  Joseph  Wood,  who  is  professedly  of  the 
Church  of  England;  and  that  it  may  do  the  more  execution,  it 
is  not  only  sent  to  thyself,  but  directed  to  such  of  London  as 
they  understood  to  be  the  most  disaffected  to  thee,  as  Wm. 
Mead,  &c.,  to  be  made  use  of  as  they  shall  see  occasion:  a 
piece  of  the  most  unparalleled  villany,  and  that  needs  no  ob- 
servation or  remark  to  aggravate  it.  The  letter,  or  letters,  were 
delivered  to  Robert  Barber,  who  went  from  hence  in  the  brigan- 

tine ,  J.  Guy^  master,  to  New  York  ;  but  not'  liking  the  vessel, 

he  talked  of  returning  home  again,  and  not  proceeding  the 
voyage;  which,  if  he  does,  'tis  possible  he  may  bring  back  the 
letters,  having  had  a  strict  charge  to  deliver  them  with  his  own 
hand.  But  if  they  should  arrive,  and  come  into  any  other  hands 
than  thy  own,  please  to  give  them  a  copy  of  this,  and  I  will 
stand  by  it  here  upon  the  spot,  if  they  think  fit  to  transmit  it. 
I  wish  I  could  have  more  time  ;  but  the  post  goes  to-day,  and 
this  will  certainly  be  the  last  opportunity  of  writing  by  this 
vessel.  The  generality  of  the  assembly  who  are  acquainted 
with  it  are  much  disturbed  at  it,  but  know  not  what  course  to 
take,  he  has  such  a  faculty  of  leading  them  out  of  their  depth, 
and  his  accomplices  in  the  house  drown  all  others  with  their' 
noise.  Isaac  Norris,  two  days  ago,  went  to  David,  with  five  or 
six  more  who  were  members  of  that  assembly,  and  being  vcrj- 
sharp  upon  him  for  abusing  them  so,  he  told  Isaac  he  is  now 
but  a  private  man,  and  was  not  concerned  in  it,  for  he  is  left 
out  last  election. 

The  present  assembly,  after  thirteen  days  sitting,  yesterday 
presented  another  bill  for  confirming  and  explaining  the  charter 
of  privileges,  containing  all  that  was  in  the  former  prepared  for 


340  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

that  purpose,  with  several  large  additions  about  elections.  It  is 
believed  they  will  scarce  do  anything  but  draw  addresses  and 
remonstrances,  unless  the  leading  members  should  commit 
something  against  the  rest  so  grqss  that  their  eyes  should  be 
forcibly  opened. 

So  that  if  thou  canst  bear  to  support  all  the  heavy  charges  of 
government,  both  there  and  here,  without  any  consideration, 
and  suffer  wounds  from  such  base,  ungrateful  men  to  be  repeated 
against  thee,  without  easing  thyself  if  in  thy  power,  it  will  ap- 
pear a  patience  something  above  human. 

Thy  friends  are  deeply  grieved  at  these  proceedings,  and  sym- 
pathize with  thee ;  nay,  more,  Jos.  Growdon  declares  his  abhor- 
rence of  them,  and  their  proceedings  so  far  against  thee.  He, 
however,  that  has  always  stood  by  thee,  I  hope  will  support  thee 
over  it  all,  for  his  own  glory,  and  thy  happiness,  which  is  most 
heartily  desired  by  thy      Most  dutiful  servant,     James  Logan. 

P.  S.  —  Captain  Gregory  is  just  now  dead;     I  have  inclosed 
another  Act  of  Maryland,  almost  as  unreasonable  as  the  letter. 
Indorsed:  " By  the  Jersey  (man-of-war.)  (Private.") 


William  Penn  to  James  Logan. 

Bristol,  2d  gbr.,  1704. 

This  is  my  third  by  the  Biddeford  vessel,  two  by  the  hand  of 
Edward  Lane,  old  William  Lane's  son,  and  this  by  Samuel 
HolHster,  that,  being  out  of  his  time  with  Ar.  Thomas,  will  see 
what  can  be  done  in  Pennsylvania  for  a  livelihood,  of  whom  I 
writ  in  my  last  and  lesser  packet. 

I  have  before  me  two  of  thy  letters  that  touch  some  things 
as  closely,  though  one  of  the  3d  2d-mo.,  and  the  other  29th 
3d-mo. ;  not  but  that  I  have  touched  already  in  some  of  my 
former  letters  to  thee.  But  first  I  will  hint  at  some  things  I 
am  earnest  in,  and  desire  thy  notice  and  dispatch  in  : 

Rents  and  Debts.  —  If  thou  canst  not  get  silver  ....  by 
the  Madeiras  directly  hither,  as  well  as  by  Barbadoes  with  Ma- 
deira wines,  send  as  fast  as  thou  canst  turn  our  cheap  corn, 
flour,  and  bread  into  wine,  and  some  wine  into  sugar,  home  for 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  34I 

supply.  And  if  it  be  not  advisable  to  send  wines  hither  directly, 
the  surest  profit  ....  here  then  by  the  islands.  And  if  that 
be  not  worth  the  while,  thentake  good  bonds  at  country  interest, 
both  to  secure  the  principal  and  interest,  to  answer  interest,  as 
thou  hintest  in  one  of  thine  ;  and,  upon  the  arrival  of  this,  lose  no 
time  in  getting  such  into  bonds  that  make  not  good  pay  as  above, 
and  especially  about  the  supply  and  Susquehanna  purchase. 

Son.  —  If  my  son  prove  very  expensive  I  cannot  bear  it,  but 
must  place  to  his  account  what  he  spends  above  moderation, 
while  I  lie  loaded  with  debt  and  interest  here,  else  I  shall  pay 
dear  for  the  advantage  his  going  thither  might  entitle  me  to, 
since  the  subscribers  and  bondsmen  cannot  make  ready  pay, 
according  to  what  he  has  received,  and  on  his  land  there.  So 
excite  his  return,  or  to  send  for  his  family  to  him;  for  if  he 
brings  not  wherewith  to  pay  his  debts  here,  his  creditors  will 
fall  foul  upon  him  most  certainly. 

Lands.  —  Remember  the  parcels  of  lands  I  wrote  about  to  be 
taken  up  in  my  father  Callowhill's  name,  which  I  acknowledge 
him  to  have  bought  of  Richard  Snead,  Margaret  Martindale, 
Mary  Elson,  &c.  Also  pray  inquire  what  has  become  of  Rich- 
ard Penn's  5,000  acres,  and,  if  not  disposed  of,  lay  them  out  to 
my  behoof,  as  heir  at  law,  in  a  good  place,  Baumont's  300  acres, 
&c.,  in  Jersey. 

Son  Aubrey's  Affairs.  —  My  father  Callowhill  having  bought 
out  many  that  have  lands  there,  and  a  purchase  of  ;^i,300  at 
French  pay,  is  not  in  cash  to  purchase  my  daughter's  manor; 
but  if  ;^500  would  do,  your  money,  and  that  with  the  lot  on 
the  front,  will  make  up  the  ^2,000  sterling,  I  know  not  what 
some  small  time  may  do.^  But  let  me  know  the  prospect  you 
have  of  the  increase  of  our  interests  in  those  parts,  now  the 
Spanish  trade  is  open  ;  for  I  would  not  venture  more  upon  that 
country,  and  insecurity  and  no  returns  be  the  consequence. 
;^30  per  annum  here  is  worth  more  than  a  ;Cioo  per  year  there, 
so  far  from  market,  redress,  safety,  and  liberty,  if  the  govern- 
ment be  changed,  and  high  church  domineering. 

In  the  mean  time,  both  son  and  daughter  clamor,  she  to  quiet 

'  [This  passage  is  not  clear  as  to  its  precise  meaning.  — Editor.] 


342  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

him  that  is  a  scraping  man,  will  count  interest  for  a  guinea,  (this 
only  to  thyself;)  so  that  I  would  have  you  fill  his  attorney's 
hands  as  full  as  thou  canst.  I  know  thou  art  able  to  calculate 
what 's  best  for  me  and  just  to  them,  and  there  I  leave  it.  The 
Lord  direct  and  preserve  thee  by  the  renewed  baptizings  of  his 
power,  without  which  the  best  cannot  hold  out  well  to  the  end. 

For  the  15,000  acres,  that  is  in  my  disposal;  as  to  W.  A.,  lam 
obliged  but  to  the  2,000,  and  if  her  lots  and  manors  amount 
not  to  so  much,  my  son  has  engaged  ^^40  [unintelligible]  here  to 
make  it  good,  only  I  have  released  to  him  another  estate,  in- 
tended for  her,  of  ;^3,000  value. 

Charter  and  Laws.  —  I  cannot  imagine  what  charter  thou 
meanest.  If  that  I  refused  to  seal  at  New  Castle,  it 's  a  blank  ; 
if  that  I  executed  at  Philadelphia,  that  the  lower  counties  were 
not  included  was  not  an  omission  or  design  of  mine,  and  I  hope 
nobody's  else ;  and  if  our  friends  will  not  behave  towardly,  I 
shall  be  constrained  to  break  it;  however,  the  Queen  will,  if  I 
resign.  For  the  laws  I  want  50  guineas,  if  not  100,  to  get  a 
friendly  or  a  favorable  report  about  them ;  nor  will  all  be  agreed 
to  thee  for  the  greatest  part;  but  to  pass  them  with  notification 
of  the  Queen's  authority  will  be  most  passable  here.  Consult 
the  king's  charter  to  me  in  reference  to  that  article  or  clause. 

J.  MoMPESSON  and  Col.  Quary.  —  It  was  not  by  a  new  war- 
rant, but  a  dormant  one,  at  least  a  year  before  J.  Mompesson's 
commission,  as  Lord  Clarendon  told  me,  that  Quary  was  made 
or  rather  continued  judge  of  the  admiralty,  and  I  suppose  he 
w^ill  not  hold  it  long,  nor,  may  be,  either  of  them,  in  that  place ; 
and  if  our  people  (I  know  on  the  favor  or  at  the  secret  instiga- 
tion of  David  Lloyd)  will  not  lay  hold  of  such  an  opportunity 
as  so  worthy  and  noble  a  gentleman  of  the  law  puts  into  their 
hands,  by  a  due  encouragement,  they  forever  deserve  to  be 
slighted  of  all  men.  They  never  needed  to  have  feared  New 
England,  or  Virginia,  or  Maryland,  or  Westminster  Hall  itself, 
had  they  made  him  theirs.  His  plainness,  integrity,  sobriety, 
and  judgment  not  easily  paralleled  here  as  well  as  in  those  parts. 

James  Coutts.  —  I  think  myself  much  obliged  to  him  and  his 
adherents,  and  if  a  like  charter  can  be  there  granted  I  consent 
that  they  may  be  considered  for  their  encouragement;  and  I  dc- 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  343 

sire  thee  to  communicate  this  to  the  best  and  wisest  of  tlie  coun- 
cil, and  of  the  lower  as  well  as  upper  counties,  and  that  with 
the  first,  which  is  the  best  answer  I  can  give  to  their  letter, 
which  I  received  from  James's  brother  Thomas  here.  It  came 
to  me  in  hand  after  our  London  ships  were  gone.  I  have  already 
writ  by  this  opportunity  to  the  lieutenant  governor,  whose  let- 
ters were  delivered,  and  I  said  to  Lord  Clarendon  what  he  desired 
or  could  wish.  His  mother  of  late  well,  and  uncle  Evans,  but  now 
in  Cornhill  upon  his  circuit  of  business.  Let  my  son  know  all 
his  were  well  last  week.  Forget  not  a  rent-roll  by  the  very  first. 
pray  ;  I  want  it  so  long.  It  is  more  than  a  year  thou  writ  of 
sending  of  it,  as  I  remember. 

Quit-rents.  — As  I  should  lessen  you  to  a  moiety,  what  may 
I  expect  they  would  raise  ?  To  be  sure  they  would  give  most 
that  pay  you  and  make  any  shift  to  compass  good  pay,  though, 
perhaps,  I  may  never  part  with  them. 

Of  a  Lieutenant  Governor,  this  failing. — The  Lords  of 
Trade  have  frankly  promised  me  another,  whom  I  should  name 
upon  the  spot  to  succeed  and  x)btain  the  Queen's  approbation 
for  it ;  so  shall  forthwith  name  one  to  them,  the  best  I  can  think 
upon. 

Of  Returns.  —  None  yet  come  from  any  part  thou  sentlst  any 
to,  to  be  returned  for  England,  Carolina,  Barbadoes,  Jamaica,  &c., 
which  I  admire  at.  We  must  for  Ireland  to  eat  bread  or  sell  all. 
I  cannot  live  under  so  great  an  interest,  't  is  impossible. 

Evans  the  Pirate.  —  I  long  since  writ  to  thee  about  this 
fellow's  ;^ioo  upon  David  Powell's  house  and  lot;  his  sister 
leads  me  such  a  life  to  know  if  nothing  be  coming  to  her  of  it, 
(but  I  never  heard  a  word  of  it;  I  knew  J.  Claypole  had  an  en- 
cumbrance,) much  of  it  wickedly  obtained,  I  fear  :  however  there 
was  forty  or  fifty  pounds  left.  The  man  is  dead ;  a  word  of  it 
in  thy  next. 

Close. — I  have  done  when  I  tell  thee  to  let  my  poor  son 
know  that  if  he  be  not  a  very  good  husband  I  must  sell  there  as 
well  as  here,  and  that  all  he  spends  is  disabling  me,  so  far,  to  clear 
myself  of  debt,  and  that  he  will  pay  for  it  at  long  run.  Do  it 
in  the  friendliest  manner,  that  he  may  co-operate  with  me  to 
clear  our  encumbered  estate  and  honor. 


344  PENN  AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

My  father  and  mother  and  wife  send  thee  their  love,  and  my 
wife  desires  thou  wouldst  give  hers  to  her  friends  there,  town 
and  country.     I  also,  and  that  in  both  provinces.     Vale. 

Thy  real  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

I  admire  at  I.  Mill  and  Robert  French,  to  whom  I  have  been 
so  kind. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 
{^£xfracf.'\  New  Castle,  22d  gfk-mo.,  1704. 

....  The  governor  and  assembly  have  clashed  so  far,  not- 
withstanding all  endeavors  have  been  used  on  our  side  to  keep 
matters  easy,  that  there  seems  nothing,  or  at  least  very  little  to 
be  expected  from  them.  They  will  not  allow  him  the  power  of 
dissolving,  proroguing,  dismissing  for  a  time,  or  adjourning  them, 
but  claim  the  privilege  of  sitting  at  all  times,  as  they  shall  see 
occasion,  like  the  Parliament  in  1641,  which  they  nearly  imitate: 
they  are  all  for  settling  constitutions  and  privileges,  without  any 
regard  to  the  public  present  safety,  or  making  provision  for  the 
government.  That  ridiculous  old  man,  W.  Biles,  frequently 
affirnxs  they  will  never  grant  one  penny  on  any  account  till  they 
have  all  their  privileges  explained  and  confirmed ;  that  is,  till 
they  have  five  times  more  granted  than  ever  they  claimed  before: 
witness  the  city  charter  bill.  And  then  'tis  alleged  the  gov- 
ernor knows  the  terms  how  he  may  have  money,  and  if  the 
public  suffers  for  want  of  it,  it  will  be  at  his  door. 

We  are  now  come  hither  to  hold  a  distinct  assembly,  for  the 
peers  designed  only  to  keep  them  in  some  order,  and  to  show 
they  are  regarded ;  but  each  county  being  represented  only  by 
four  members  little  will  be  done  this  time :  some  endeavor  to 
keep  in  upon  the  foot  of  the  charter,  not  through  any  great  lik- 
ing for  it,  but  that  the  whole  might  continue  more  like  one  gov- 
ernment. But  Judge  Guest  with  the  designing  men  of  this  place 
seem  to  endeavor  an  utter  separation,  and  that  this  alone  may 
be  madelhe  mart  for  all  the  people  below.  The  consequence 
of  this  thou  wilt  easily  see,  and  how  inconvenient  a  distinct 
assembly  will  be  when  taken  notice  of  at  home,  and  how  inju- 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  345 

rious  to  thy  interest ;  but  what  is  done  now  could  not  be  avoided 
unless  we  would  wholly  lose  the  obedience  of  these  counties  ;  it 
depends,  therefore,  the  more  upon  thee,  on  whom  the  burthen 
always  too  heavily  lights;  to  hasten  a  suitable  provision.  I  wish 
public  affairs  at  home  may  be  in  a  condition  to  afford  thee  an 
opportunity.  The  province  and  territories  can  scarce  ever  agree 
together,  but  asunder  they  will  never  do  anything,  and,  therefore, 
should  be  joined  on  equal  privileges,  and  all  charters  destroyed, 
for  our  own  friends  are  unfit  for  government  by  themselves, 
and  not  much  better  with  others.  We  are  generally  in  these 
parts  too  full  of  ourselves,  and  empty  of  sense,  to  manage  affairs 
of  importance,  and  therefore  require  the  greatest  authority  to 
bend  us.  If  thou  surrender  the  government  and  keep  the  pro- 
priety, as  I  doubt  thou  must  the  latter  of  necessity,  the  naming 
of  the  council  as  well  as  the  governor  will  be  worth  thy  consid- 
eration, and  then  of  most  I  know,  I  doubt  there  is  scarce  any 
man  of  sense  more  unfit,  or  less  a  friend  to  thy  property,  than  that 
weathercock,  J.  Guest.  A  desire  to  be  somebody,  and  an  unjust 
method  of  craving  and  getting,  seems  to  be  the  rule  of  his  life ; 
he  has  often  been  of  great  service,  which  should  of  itself  be  ac- 
know'  Iged,  but  't  is  owing  to  little  good  in  his  temper.  It  was 
generally  his  failings  that  were  laid  hold  on  to  lead  him  to  it; 
and  upon  the  whole,  I  must  give  it  as  my  opinion  that  he  is  not 
to  be  trusted.  He  is  remarkable  in  one  unhappy  talent  of  abus- 
ing every  past  government,  and  seems  fixed  to  no  man  :  I  should 
prefer  even  John  Moore  to  him.  Poor  old  Capt.  Finney,  too, 
is  grown  somewhat  dotish,  and  very  weak.  Jasper  Yeates  has 
as  much  honor,  though  he  has  been  an  enemy,  as  any  I  know. 
But  thy  son  will  be  very  capable  of  giving  thee  the  later  account 
of  jpen.  Besides  Capt.  Roche,  who  is  but  a  weak  man,  though 
generous,  and  a  West  Indian  in  his  life,  there  is  one  Richard 
Sleigh,  come  lately  from  Jamaica,  a  very  sober,  good  church- 
man, and  Col.  Cressy  from  Virginia,  and  Antigua  men  of  note 
and  substance,  and  more  daily  expected ;  but  the  first  talks  of 
returning,  and  the  last  meddles  with  no  kind  of  business,  nor 
seems  altogether  fitted  for  it ;  the  other  is  a  merchant,  as  Roche 
is.  But  our  corporation  gives  many  strangers  great  offence,  and 
will  make  us  odious,     James  Coutts  is  a  good  man,  and  thy 


346  PENN    AND    LOGAN  ri704. 

friend.  R.  Halliwell,  if  presented  by  others,  need  not  now,  I 
believe,  be  much  feared,  and  would  prove  as  good,  perhaps,  as 
R.  French.  W.  Rodney  holds  with  James  Coutts  against  all  men. 
John  Hill  is  honest,  but  weak,  and  sometimes  silly.  Joseph 
Growdon  very  much  mended,  and  directly  opposite  to  David  in 
the  house ;  as  I  told  thee  in  my  last,  I  used  some  freedom  in 
some  of  my  letters,  especially  the  private  ones,  which  I  hope 
will  not  be  taken  amiss  :  they  are  the  result  of  my  closest 
thoughts,  and  when  thou  art  pleased  to  consider  what  I  wrote 
concerning  thy  propriety,  and  the  state  of  thy  family,  thou  wilt 
find  it,  I  believe,  but  too  well  grounded.  It  will  be  no  grateful  doc- 
trine, I  believe,  to  Mr.  William,*  but  I  must  be  of  opinion  it  would 
best  suit  thy  circumstances,  and  perhaps  not  be  to  his  disadvan- 
tage, for  should  thou  go  off  the  stage,  I  know  not  what  would  be 
made  of  it.  I  have  had  some  difficulty  to  carry  even  between 
my  duty  to  thee  and  my  regards  to  him,  but  I  hope  I  have  not 
miscarried  in  either.  Let  me  take  the  freedom  to  request  thee 
to  be  very  tender  to  him  in  thy  resentment,  least  those  he  has 
already  conceived  from  the  abuses  put  upon  him  should  by  any 
addition  precipitate  him  into  ruin ;  he  has  much  good  nature, 
wants  not  very  good  sense,  but  is  unhappy  chiefly  by  indiscre- 
tion. 

'T  is  a  pity  his  wife  came  not  with  him  ;  there  is  scarce  any 
thing  has  a  worse  effect  upon  his  mind  than  the  belief  thou  hast 
a  greater  regard  to  thy  second  children  than  thy  first,  and  an 
emulation  between  his  own  and  thy  younger  seems  too  much 
to  rivet  him  in  it,  which,  were  it  obviated  by  the  best  methods, 
might  be  of  service,  for  he  is  and  must  be  thy  son,  and  thou 
either  happy  or  unhappy  in  him.  The  tie  is  indissoluble.  What 
I  write  will,  I  hope,  be  taken  as  designed,  and  as  the  result  (jnly 
of  an  affectionate  concern,  knowing  I  write  only  to  thyself 

2^th  gbr.  —  The  assembly,  as  'tis  called  here,  have  past  two 
acts  only,  and  intend  no  more.  The  first  is  for  the  confirmation 
of  all  the  laws,  and  the  other  for  increasing  the  number  of 
representatives  from  4  to  6  for  each  county.  The  governor  is 
very  earnest  for  an  act  to  establish  the  militia;  but  they  are 


'  William  Penn,  Jr.  —  L. 


1704.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  347 

resolved  not  to  touch  with  it  till  next  meeting  with  advanced 
numbers.  I  shall  not  have  time  now  to  send  thee  any  copies. 
They  have  made  provision  in  the  latter  act  to  come  in  next 
time  upon  the  charter,  but  for  no  other  reason  than  to  keep 
more  like  one  government,  for  they  hate  it  as  other  good  men 
do.  We  have  had  no  accounts  for  some  months  from  Europe; 
we  fear  't  is  owing  to  some  great  embargo  upon  the  account  of 
Portugal.  Pray  excuse  my  repeating  the  same  things  in  several 
letters ;  they  are  either  such  as  have  great  place  in  my  own 
thoughts,  or  that  I  am  desirous  should  have  some  in  thine.  I 
am,  with  love  and  duty, 

Thy  faithful  and  obedient  servant,  James  Logan. 

P.  S. — I  found  the  catalogue  of  the  books  thrown  in  among 
the  Jersey  deeds,  and  have  examined  them.  There  is  in  Sir 
W.  Raleigh's  History,  and  Purchas's  Pilgrims,  wanting  of  the 
folios  ;  and  by  the  black-lead  marks  in  the  margin  made  at  ex- 
amining them  when  first  brought  from  C©1.  Markham's,  they 
seem  never  to  have  been  there  since  thy  last  arrival ;  if  they 
were  I  shall  recover  them,  or  others  in  their  stead.  There  is 
no  other  folio  missing  but  Braithwait's  English  Gentlemen, 
which,  with  the  rest,  shall  be  made  good.  There  never  was  a 
greater  villain  known  than  he  that  played  the  trick,  yet  was 
never  discovered  nor  suspected  till  the'day  after  he  left  me,  by 
a  remarkable  providence,  that  the  innocent  might  be  cleared. 
His  father  made  me  promise  to  be  private  in  it,  engaging  to 
make  full  satisfaction,  and  hoping  it  would  be  the  last ;  but  he 
is  mistaken,  I  doubt.  We  cannot,  by  any  deeds  left  here,  make 
out  thy  title  to  thy  proprietie  in  the  Jerseys,  and  Samuel  Jen- 
nings says  the  council  of  proprietaries  there  will  admit  of  none  to 
take  up  land  without  producing  their  deeds  or  authentic  copies 
of  them.  The  deeds  here  relate  only  to  Salem,  and  they  want 
explanation,  for  there  seems  something  yet  wanting  to  clear 
that  matter  fully.  This  will  require  a  speedy  answer:  I  mean 
about  the  proprietie,  which  I  intreat  thee  send  at  once. 

I  hope  this  following  spring  to  clear  off  Wm.  Aubrey's  inter- 
est, but  wo  must  have  a  new  power,  and  should  have  one  like- 
wise for  the   15,500  acres  in  New  Castle  County,     The  patent 


348  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1704. 

for  it  is  dated  27th  or  28th  of  8br.,  1701,  the  quit-rent  to  thee  one 
beaver-skin  ;  but  I  wish  thou  couldest  have  that  in  thy  own 
hands.     Yet  now  there  is  an  absolute  patent  for  it  upon  record. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn, 

Philadelphia,  d>th  lobr.,  1704. 

Last  night,  by  Walter  Groombridge,  I  received  thine  dated 
5th-mo.  last,  and  now  have  only  time  to  acknowledge  it.  Be- 
sides my  several  letters  by  the  Jersey,  in  company  with  thy  son, 
I  have  wrote  largely  by  way  of  Barbadoes,  and  shall  send  a 
copy,  if  another  opportunity  present,  to  Maryland,  before  this 
vessel  sails,  and  by  Daniel  Zachary  ^  from  Boston,  who  in  a  few 
weeks  designs  to  sail ;  but  cannot  now  undertake  to  answer  any 
part  of  thy  last  My  packet  by  Al.  Paxton  I  hope  is  come  to  hand, 
he,  as  we  hear,  being  arrived  with  the  rest,  since  that,  being  all 
too  much  of  the  same  melancholy  tenor,  will  scarce  be  so  accept- 
able as  I  could  heartily  wish. 

In  that  from  New  Castle  I  advised  of  our  assembly  there,  de- 
signed only  to  show  them  some  countenance.  The  Lord  Corn- 
bury  has  held  a  new  assembly  at  Burlington,  and  passed  some 
very  strange  acts:  one  for  granting  the  Queen  ;^4,ooo,  another 
for  the  militia,  &c.,  all  obtained  by  the  greatest  breach  of  Eng- 
lish privileges  that  has  been  heard  of,  enough  to  make  our  peo- 
ple wiser  if  they  had  hearts  or  heads  capable  of  information. 
As  I  perceive  thou  art  apprehensive  of  parting  with  the  govern- 
ment, if  thou  thinks  fit  to  endeavor  the  contrary,  the  only 
method  I  can  think  of,  with  submission,  will  be  to  let  the  coun- 
try know  they  must  of  necessity  either  unite  again,  and  forego 
that  part  of  the  charter,  or  else  be  delivered  up  to  the  Queen, 
who  will  govern  them  united ;  and  at  the  same  time  send  them 
over  a  charter  with  the  same  privileges,  that  only  excepted. 
But  the  province  is  now  as  averse  to  a  union  as  the  territories 
are  to  a  separation. 

'This  worthy  man,  who  had  settled  in  Boston,  but  had  married,  in 
Pennsylvania,  a  daughter  of  Thomn  Lloyd,  upon  the  decease  of  his 
wife  went  home  to  England,  where  shortly  after  his  arrival  he  also 
died.  He  left  one  son,  Lloyd  Zachary,  who  became  afterwards  a  dis- 
tinguished physician  in  Philadelphia.  —  L. 


1704]  CORRESPONDENCE.  349 

If  the  war  abroad  go  on  with  success  equal  to  the  actions  of 
July  and  August  last  in  Bavaria,  it  is  probable  thou  may  be  able 
to  make  better  terms,  but  to  be  sure  without  it  the  Crown  can- 
not spare  money. 

I  am  sorry  to  find  Grove  and  Singleton  have  made  no  more 
returns.  We  heard  of  that  island's  fleet  falling  into  the  hands 
of  St.  Paul,  and  seventeen  out  of  twenty-six  being  taken.  I 
wish  thou  may  not  have  suffered  there,  and  admire  to  see  so 
little  care  is  taken  by  many  of  the  interest  of  others  they  are 
entrusted  with.     But  I  must  break  off,  and  conclude, 

Thy  most  faithful  and  affectionate  J.  L. 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

[Philadelphia,  \oth-mo.,  1704.] 

By  thy  son  in  the  Jersey,  and  I.  Guy  in  the  brig,  who  sailed 
from  York  about  fourteen  days  ago,  I  wrote  several  letters,  of 
which  three  inclosed  to  John  Askew  were  designed  more  private 
than  the  rest,  informing,  as  fully  as  I  then  could,  of  the  state  of 
our  affairs,  all  which  I  hope  will  arrive  safe.  I  cannot,  without 
the  deepest  regret,  consider  how  little  satisfactory  some  of  them, 
and  especially  their  bearer,  may  prove  on  some  accounts.  But 
as  I  have  had  and  still  have  my  share  of  trouble  at  the  thoughts 
of  it,  and  can  truly  sympathize  with  those  more  nearly  con- 
cerned, yet  as  I  have  endeavored  to  acquit  myself  to  the  best 
of  my  power,  and  have  left  nothing  unessayed  which  I  could 
think  of  for  his  benefit,  my  conscience  yields  me  the  greater 
ease;  and  to  that  I  doubt  must  thy  chief  recourse  be  for  com- 
fort. I  have  undergone,  I  am  sure,  the  deepest  pangs  of  trouble 
in  my  own  soul  for  several  months  past,  but  hope  it  will  please 
the  Lord  to  give  a  greater  dawn  of  consolation  to  those  whose 
whole  dependence  is  upon  him. 

The  return  of  thy  son  and  the  representation  that  he  brings, 
with  the  unhappy  effects  those  have  had  upon  him,  accompanied 
at  the  same  time  with  that  unparalleled  piece  of  baseness  from 
D.  LI.,  will  soon  put  thee  (I  doubt  not)  on  measures  for  thy  ease 
from  such  an  accumulation  of  troubles.  The  governor  has  pos- 
itively demanded  a  copy  of  that  remonstrance  from  the  assem- 


350  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704. 

bly ;  but  David,  under  pretence  of  answering  the  governor's 
demands  in  a  proper  method,  by  the  basest  artifice  endeavored 
to  persuade  the  house  that  they  ought  first  to  make  it  by  a  rec- 
ognition, or  amendment,  as  they  should  think  fit,  the  act  of  that 
house,  and  then  they  might  properly  send  a  copy.  But  this 
being  too  gross  to  pass,  notwithstanding  the  great  influence  he 
has  over  the  majority,  composed  of  designing  and  weak  men, 
(for  of  the  latter  they  got  as  many  chosen  as  they  could,  that 
they  might  be  the  easier  led,)  he,  as  I  am  credibly  informed  by 
some  others  of  the  members,  owned  it  as  his  own  proper  act, 
and  therefore  pleaded  as  such  it  was  not  subject  to  the  house 
nor  any  other  power.  He  pretended,  indeed,  to  send  for  it 
again,  from  York,  when  it  was  too  late ;  but,  upon  the  whole, 
he  denies  a  copy,  either  to  the  governor  or  to  the  meeting  of 
Philadelphia,  who  have  also  sued  for  it.  We  are  now  in  such 
circumstances,  that  I  cannot  foresee  any  probability  of  being 
brought  into  regular  order  again  till  under  the  Crown ;  and  it 
seems  all  owing  to  those  unhappy  charters  which,  being  designed 
as  favors,  are  made  use  of  by  ill  men  as  tools  for  mischief. 
There  is  a  general  infatuation,  as  if  by  a  superior  influence,  got 
among  us,  as  well  as  in  other  places.  It  seems  as  if  we  were 
all  in  a  ferment,  and  whatever  was  impure  among  the  whole 
people  rose  in  its  filth  to  the  top.  I  wish  we  may  ever  be 
skimmed  so  as  to  leave  anything  pure  behind.  I  am  fully  con- 
vinced,^ at  least  that  prudence  and  counsel  are  much  in  vain, 
unless  they  are  made  the  instruments  of  the  only  guiding  Power 
of  all  human  things.  We  are  in  the  same  circumstances  here  as 
in  England,  in  regard  to  public  affairs,  and  perhaps  it  is  as  much 
the  fate  of  the  nations  as  our  particular  sins.  But  I  am  too  apt 
to  run  out  upon  such  melancholy  reflections 

^  Perhaps  there  is  an  analogy  between  our  circumscribed  views  of  the 
moral  government  of  Providence  in  the  affairs  of  mankind,  and  the 
sublime  glance  which  modern  astronomy  opens  on  the  amazed  mind, 
of  system  attached  to  system,  rolling  around  some  unknown  centre  too 
great  almost  to  be  grasped  by  the  imagination  or  measured  by  the  span 
of  human  knowledge,  yet,  haply  to  an  eye  that  could  take  in  the  whole 
scheme  of  things,  order  and  proportion  and  beauty  would  be  apparent, 
and  we  should  discern  that  all  the  dispensations  of  His  providence 
were  ordained  in  wisdom,  conducive  to  his  own  glorious  purposes  and 
the  good  of  his  creatures.  — L. 


I704-S-]  CORRESPONDENCE.  35l 

William  Penn  to   James  Logan. 

London,  i6M  ii th-mo.,  1704-5.' 

I  think  I  may  say  I  have  all  thy  letters,  as  well  private  as 
public,  from  my  son,  John  Askew,  &c.  A  melancholy  scene 
enough  always  ;  religiously  upon  my  poor  child.  Pennsylvania 
begins  it  by  my  absence  here,  and  there  it  is  accomplished  with 
expense,  disappointment,  ingratitude,  and  poverty.  The  Lord  up- 
hold me  under  these  sharp  and  heavy  burdens  with  his  free 
spirit.  I  should  have  been  glad  of  an  account  of  his  expenses, 
and  more  of  a  rent-roll,  that  I  may  know  what  I  have  to  stand 
upon  and  help  myself  with.  He  is  my  greatest  affliction  for  his 
soul's  and  my  posterity's  or  family's  sake.  I  say  once  again, 
let  me  have  a  rent-roll,  or  I  inust  sink,  with  gold  in  my  view 
but  not  in  my  power.  To  have  neither  supplies  nor  a  reason 
of  credit  here,  is  certainly  a  cruel  circumstance.  I  want  to  know 
what  I  have  to  stand  upon  and  help  myself  with.^ 

I  want  to  know  what  has  been  sold,  what  bonds  taken,  and 
money  received  since  I  arrived  in  the  country,  which  I  desire 
thee  to  send  most  expeditiously,  as  also  duplicate  of  bonds 
attested  by  authority,  and  that  all  other  business  may  give  way 


'  The  winter  of  1 704-5  was  remarkably  severe  in  America ;  witness 
the  following  extract:  "This  having  been  the  hardest  winter  and 
deepest  snow  that  has  been  known  by  the  oldest  among  us;  we  have 
had  but  one  post  all  this  season,  whose  quick  return  and  short  notice 
allows  not  to  enlarge.  The  river  is  still  fast,  and  likely  to  continue 
so."— L. 

*  [Certain  writers  of  the  present  century  have  expended  no  little  in 
genuity  in  their  endeavor  to  reverse  the  judgment  of  posterity  passed 
upon  Penn  as  the  possessor  of  great  virtues  ;  and  other  writers,  fired 
by  the  same  spirit  of  literary  emulation,  but  with  a  different  object, 
have  made  it  a  pleasurable  task  to  endeavor  to  elevate  into  decent 
repute  characters  upon  whom,  by  a  common  consent,  there  has  long 
since  been  pronounced  the  deepest  condemnation.  It  is,  therefore,  not 
unlikely  that  Penn's  frequent,  pressing,  and  touching  entreaties  for 
remittances,  aud  which  are  so  often  urged  in  his  letters  to  Logan,  will 
be  made  the  subject  of  a  fresh  charge  against  his  memory.  The  sacri- 
fice of  his  life  was  the  establishment  of  the  province  of  Pennsylvania. 
He  had  ventured  every  thing  upon  it,  and  underwent  an  unceasing 
struggle  to  preserve  it.  His  expenses  were  for  him  enormous,  and  his 
just  returns,  which  it  had  been  solemnly  contracted  should  be  paid, 
were,  in  the  main,  withheld  by  an  ungrateful  people,  who,   running 


352  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704-5, 

to  it,  be  it  of  what  kind  it  will.  I  am  also  sorry  to  hear  there 
is  no  land  left  to  be  taken  up  for  me  or  my  abused  posterity. 
The  game  must  be  then  up  indeed ;  but  I  can  hardly  let  it  enter 
my  thoughts.  Is  all  Thomas  Fairman's  discovery  taken  up, 
and  I  and  mine  no  sharers  in  it?  forty  miles  from  Philadelphia, 
and  twelve  miles  by  six,  surrounded  by  rocks,  of  which  he 
seemed  so  pleased  when  I  was  there,  or  soon  after  I  left  you. 
I  have  a  hundred  German  families  preparing  for  you,  that  buy 
30  or  40,000  acres ;  and  no  longer  than  yesterday,  Sir  Charles 
Hedges  discoursed  me  upon  a  Swiss  colony  intending  thither, 
by  the  request  of  our  envoy  in  the  Cantons  ;  but  keep  this  close, 
for  many  reasons ;  only  look  out,  and  keep  it  in  remembrance. 
I  also  want  the  propriety  accounts,  what,  and  to  whom,  and 
when,  and  for  what. 

Thou  must  pay  £2$  to  the  gentlewoman^  Phillips,  for  i^20  I 
received  here  upon  her  account  by  remittal  of  the  Bishop  of 
Cloyne,  by  Edward  Hastwell,  according  to  the  late  standard  of 
value.  The  Barbadoes  fleet,  coming  home  so  late,  met  both  with 
storms  of  wind  and  guns,  the  French  falling  in  among  them;  so 
that  of  120  sail,  not  above  80  and  odd  got  in,  where  out  of  40 
odd  hogsheads  of  sugar,  I  have  lost  30,  and  Edward  Singleton 
carried  into  France.  They  freighted  upon  five  vessels,  one 
burnt,  which  Edward  came  out  in,  had   10  hogsheads,  and  two 

riot  with  an  excess  of  liberty,  raised  all  manner  of  untenable  objec- 
tions against  the  performance  of  their  duty*  —  a  people  who,  possessed 
of  every  substantial  right,  were  yet  unsatisfied,  but  who  would  have 
been  very  humble  and  repentant  had  they  been  deprived  of  those  priv- 
ileges which  they  did  not  seem  to  know  how  to  value  or  enjoy.  — 
Editor.] 

'This  lady  came  over  in  the  Canterbury,  in  1702.  W.  P.  wrote  to 
J.  L.  to  supply  her  with  j£6o  to  jCjo  yearly.  He  describes  her  "as 
a  person  seeking  retirement,  her  husband  living,  but  an  ill  choice,  and 
that  her  misfortune."  Several  similarly  circumstanced  came  over. 
Richardson  makes  Clarissa's  friends  propose  her  coming  to  Pennsyl- 
vania. —  L. 

*  In  the  words  of  Penn's  able  biographer,  "  They  invaded  his  rights  —  they  seized 
his  land  —  they  withheld  his  rents.  Penn  mourned  in  soul  at  these  evidences  of 
faithlessness  and  ingratitude.  He  attributed  them  to  ignorance  of  their  duties,  to  the 
novelty  of  their  position  as  legislators,  and  he  again  and  again  found  excuses  for 
them  in  his  heart.  With  a  readier  logic,  Logan  traced  their  meanness  and  avarice 
to  an  excess  of  freedom ;  and  censured  his  friend  for  having  given  them  so  much 
better  a  charter  than  they  deserved."  —  Dixon's  Life  of  Penn,  p.  319,  American  ed,, 
1851.  —  EurroR. 


1704-5]  CORRESPONDENCE.  353 

were  taken  that  had  10  hogsheads  each;  one,of  5,  and  another 
of  6  came  in  ;  one  at  sea,  a  brigantine,  which  has  7,  no  news  of 
her;  and  as  for  Guy,  no  news  yet.  But  my  son,  who  has  come 
safe,  though  near  foundering  in  the  Jersey,  says  he  believes  she 
is  lost,  for  after  the  storm  they  saw  her  no  more.  J.  Askew 
ensured  iJ'ioo  upon  thy  letter,  but  the  ensurer  broke,  and  the  20 
guineas  lost.  This  done  upon  the  former  intimations.  Ensurers 
fail  much.  I  have  not  a  word  about  the  East  Jersey  Friend  that 
was  to  have  paid  ;^900  New  York  money  —  I  think  his  name  is 
Stockins  —  Cousin  Tillness's  wife's  brother,  nor  of  Richard 
Baumont,  of  whom  I  bought  300  acres  in  West  Jersey,  as  the 
writings  I  left  with  thee  show,  bought  of  Biddle  by  him,  and 
might  be  applied  to  secure  the  island  before  Pennsbury.  'T  was 
to  have  been  on  Rancocas  Creek  ;  his  widow  clamors  me  much 
about  it.  This  is  the  sixth  time  at  least  that  I  have  writ  thee 
about  it ;  nor  didst  thou  send  me  word  what  my  son  sold  his 
manor  for;^  but  after  all  he  drew  a  bill  for  ;^io  at  his  arrival, 
to  ride  200  miles  home,  and  which  he  performed  in  two  days 
and  a  night.  I  met  him  by  appointment  between  this  and 
Worminghurst ;  stayed  but  three  hours  together.  See  how 
much  more  the  bad  Friends'  treatment  of  him  stumbled  him 
from  the  blessed  truth,  than  those  he  acknowledges  to  be  good 
ones  could  prevail  to  keep  him  in  the  profession  of  it,  from  the 
prevailing  ground  in  himself,  to  what  is  levity  more  than  to 
what  is  retired,  circumspect,  and  virtuous,  I  have  writ  very 
copiously  to  thee  by  several  packets,  two  by  Edward  Lane,  but 
a  great  enemy  to  Friends,  a  reviler ;  two  or  three  by  Samuel 
Hollister,  one  of  my  wife's  kinsmen  :  both  upon  the  "  Biddeford 
Factor,"  or  Merchant,  via  Maryland,  of  which  pray  take  notice. 
Now  for  the  government :  Depend  upon  it  I  shall  part  speed- 
ily from  it,  and  had  I  not  given  that  ungrateful  and  conceited 
people  that  charter,  and  had  got  but  400  per  an.  fixed  for  the 
governor,  and  made  such  good  conditions  for  them,  I  had  had 
twice  as  much  as  I  am  now  likely  to  have.  If  I  don't  dissolve 
it,  that  charter,  I  mean,  the  Queen  will,  which,  after  all,  David 


'  The  manor  of  Williamstadt,  7,000  acres,  bought  by  Isaac  Norris 
and  William  Trent,  now  Norriton  township,  in  Montgomery  County, 
of  which  latter  Nt)rristown  is  the  county  seat.  —  L. 

VOL.  I.  —  24 


354  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704-5. 

Lloyd's  craft  and  malice  despised  for  its  craziness.  As  for  him, 
he  will  perhaps  be  constrained  to  change  the  air,  and  his  black- 
bird too,  M . 

For  selling  all :  If  I  can  clear  my  incumbrances  without  it  I 
shall  do  so;  if  not,  then  province  or  territories  shall  go.  But 
alas !  I  can  neither  sell  nor  borrow  till  I  know  what  I  have  to 
do  either ;  pray  mind  this,  and  let  it  not  be  said  that  after  five 
years'  time  I  know  not  what  I  have  to  sell  or  mortgage,  if  I 
would  do  either.  I  heartily  acknowledge  to  the  Gov.  J.  Evans, 
his  quietness,  good  distinction,  integrity,  and  courage.  Had  he 
passed  those  laws,  he  had  destroyed  me  and  himself  too.  I 
shall  stick  close  by  him  in  those  methods  he  has  taken.  For 
Bewley's  place,  whose  death  is  a  loss  indeed,  the  gang  here, 
Paston,  &c.,  with  the  Bishop  of  London,  got  Moore  in,  before 
thine  came  to  my  hand,  almost  a  month,  if  not  six  weeks ;  a 
wonderful  thing.  That  packet,  that  gave  me  the  first  notice  of 
the  poor  man's  death,  came  via  Lisbon,  and  the  Millford  that 
put  in  there,  and  cost  me  ;^i  lis,  6d.,  no  bill  nor  cargo,  and 
which  crowns  all,  Guy  carried  also  into  France.  But  besides 
commission  money  at  Philadelphia,  the  commission  at  the  receipt 
and  return  at  Barbadoes,  &c.,  and  then  once  here,  reduces  it  to 
next  nothing.  In  short,  bills  there,  or  goods  to  Jamaica,  if  can 
get  money,  now  the  trade  is  open  with  the  Spaniards,  to  return, 
or  bills  thence,  and  the  Madeiras,  are  all  the  returns  I  would 
have  made. 

Pray,  carefully  penetrate  to  the  bottom  of  the  design  of  affront- 
ing my  son.  Had  I  not  orders  to  turn  out  David  Lloyd  from 
the  Lord  Justices,  and  to  present  and  punish  him,  and  send  word 
what  punishment  I  inflicted,  and  that  part  of  it  should  be  that 
he  were  never  after  capable  of  any  employ  in  the  country  — 
and  does  he  endeavor  my  ruin  for  not  obeying,  but  offering  him 
to  cover  himself  in  the  profits  under  my  tolerable  name  —  and 

did  I  not  do  almost  as  much  for ,  who  had  orders  to  treat 

him  sharply  for  his  barrels  of  tobacco  in  lieu  of  flour?     And 

has  he  forgot  how  I  got  Quary  to  drop  it,  &c.,  and  has 

forgot  my  boons  I  have  done  for  him  many  a  day?  Well,  "all 's 
well  that  ends  well."  But  if  those  illegitimate  Quakers  think 
their  unworthy  treatment  no  fault  towards  me,  they  may  find 
that  I  can,  upon  better  terms,  take  their  enemies  by  the  hand 


1704-5]  CORRESPONDENCE.  355 

than  they  can  mine ;  and  unless  the  honest  will,  by  church  dis- 
cipline or  the  government,  whilst  it  is  mine,  take  these  Korahs^ 
to  task,  and  make  them  sensible  of  their  baseness,  I  must  and 
will  do  so.  In  short,  upon  my  knowledge  of  the  conclusion  of 
this  winter's  assembly  I  shall  take  my  last  measures.  When 
the  prosperity  that  attends  the  country  is  talked  of,  and  what 
they  have  done  for  me  or  deputies,  that  have  supported  them 
against  their  neighbors'  envy,  and  church  attempts  here  and 
there,  they  show  struck  with  admiration,  and  must  either  think 
me  an  ill  man  or  they  a  base  people.  That  which  I  expected 
was  3  or  400  per  an.  for  the  governor,  and  to  raise  for  other 
charges  as  they  saw  occasion ;  and  if  they  will  not  do  this  will- 
ingly, they  may  find,  before  they  are  a  year  older,  they  must 
give  a  great  deal  more,  whether  they  please  or  not,  I  only  by 
my  interest  have  prevented  a  scheme  drawn  to  new  model  the 
colonies  —  told  so  by  a  duke,  and  a  minister  too  ;  for,  indeed,  if 
our  folks  had  settled  a  reasonable  revenue,  I  would  have  returned 
to  settle  a  Queen's  governor  and  the  people  together,  and  have 
laid  my  bones  with  them,  for  the  country  is  as  pleasant  to  me 
as  ever;  and  if  my  wife's  mother  should  die,  who  is  now  very 
ill,  I  believe  not  only  my  wife  and  our  young  stock,  but  her 
father  too,  would  incline  thither.  He  has  been  a  treasure  to 
Bristol,  and  given  his  whole  time  to  the  service  of  the  poor 
Friends'  fund,  till  they  made  eight  per  cent,  of  their  money,  and 
next  the  city  poor,  where  by  act  of  Parliament  he  has  been 
kept  in  beyond  form,  he  has  so  managed  to  their  advantage, 
that  the  city  members  gave  our  Friends,  and  my  father'  in  par- 
ticular, an  encomium,  much  to  their  honor,  in  the  House.  Well ! 
God  Almighty  forgive,  reclaim;  amend,  and  preserve  us  all. 
Amen. 

The  young  man,  John  Lisk,  I  writ  of,  goes  for  Archangel. 
Methinks,  of  those  that  go  hence,  thou  mayst  find  one  suitable 
for  thee.  Here  came  the  book-thief,  dada's  own  image.  That 
ever  there  should  be  such  a  succession  of  incomparables !  He 
came  for  a  letter  to  thee.  I  took  no  notice  of  past  offences, 
used  him  softly  enough.  Per  next  a  catalogue;  but  I  would  have 
one  thence. 

^  See  the  Book  of  Numbers,  chapter  xvi.  — L. 
» [Thomas  Callowhill.  —Editor.] 


356  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704-5. 

I  want  a  distinct  knowledge  how  the  business  of  the  resur- 
veys  goes,  and  what  it  comes  to.  That  law  and  two-thirds  of 
the  rest  are  reported  blank  by  the  attorney-general ;  so  that 
they  must  to  work  again,  and  give  money  or  no  laws,  no  gov- 
ernment, for  I  can  maintain  none;  and  as  for  their  addresses,  I 
will  keep  them  in  piles,  instead  of  affronting  royal  hands  with 
that  man's  name  for  speaker;^  that  is  the  aversion  of  the  min- 
istry, most,  if  not  all  of  whom  were  Lords  Justices,  or  in  office 
when  his  degrading  punishment  and  disability  were  commanded 
against  him.  My  son  speaks  well  of  Quary,  as  most  ci^il  to 
him,  and  that  Moore  p^romised  him  he  never  more  would  vex 
or  cross-grain  my  interest.     Expound  this. 

For  the  three  bills,  they  are  the  scorn  of  lawyers  and  men  of 
sense  that  have  seen  or  hear  of  them,  as  also  was  David  Lloyd's 
hedging-in  of  the  Cuckoo  by  the  New  Castle  charter.  Did  I 
give  them  a  charter  for  fear  I  should  lose  the  government,  to 
secure  them  hereafter,  and  when  I  have  at  my  great  trouble  and 
charge  preserved  it  and  them  in  authority,  and  sent  them  a  mild, 
discreet,  and  courageous  governor,  approved  by  the  Queen,  in 
spite  of  Quary,  Moore,  &c.,  to  give  him  no  salary,  to  pay  me 
none  of  the  subscription  money,  to  turn  my  own  charter  against 
me  and  my  posterity,  and  make  head  against  my  officers  as  if 
I  and  they  were  their  greatest  enemies,  instead  of  Quary,  Moore, 
&c.  ?  Who  ever  was  so  treated?  The  Lord  forgive  them  their 
great  ingratitude,  as  well  as  profaneness,  to  quit  me  to  follow 
such  a  self-interested  tool  as  David  Lloyd,  that  owes  his  bread 
to  me  too.  Surely  such  a  people  dwell  not  upon  the  face  of  the 
earth.  God  I  hope  will  deliver  me  from  them,  if  they  are  not 
delivered  from  so  absurd  and  sordid  a  behavior  and  conduct. 
And  this  I  command  thee  to  communicate  to  the  guilty  as  well 
as  the  innocent  of  that  assembly  who  profess  the  blessed  truth. 
And  I  desire  the  governor  and  my  officers  will  take  a  little  more 
spiritedness  and  quickness  upon  them,  and  curb  their  insolencies 
as  strictly  as  they  pretend  to  do  irregularities  in  the  corporation. 

S.  V.  takes  great  exception  to  J.  Groves  consigning  the  sugars 
to  Edward  Singleton,  and  so  he  would  the  goods  on  Guy  if  he 

*  [David  Lloyd.  — Editor.] 


1704-S]  CORRESPONDENCE.  357 

knew  it ;  wherefore  forbear  giving  him  offence,  who  has  been 
friendly  to  me  ;  but  if  no  goods  come,  that  will  naturally  follow. 
What  money  did  Capt.  Bierly  lend  my  son  ?  Direct  thy  letters 
to  John  Ellis,  Esq.,  at  the  secretary's  office  at  Whitehall,  which 
I  have  often  told  thee,  and  that  would  save  me  the  heavy  post- 
age, and  let  the  governor  know  as  much,  for  they  come  safely 
to  hand  and  speedily,  writing  on  them.  For  the  Queen's  service. 
I  have  sometimes  thought  if  thou  didst  change  the  property  of 
the  bonds  due  to  me,  it  might  be  safer  and  pass  better  in  pay. 
I  have  a  mind  also  to  sell  off  one-half  of  the  quit-rents.  If  I 
could  have  bills  or  money  there  to  return  hither  according  to 
the  regulation  of  the  coin,  except  what  is  due  upon  English 
standard,  as  all  those  of  the  province  are,  I  believe  the  fee 
farmers  would  give  me  twenty  years  purchase,  and  that  would 
ease  me  here ;  consider  of  these  things,  and  cast  about  h'ow  to 
do  something  that  may  ease  me  of  my  heavy  burdens,  that  have 
been  great  and  long,  and  daily  increase,  Edward  Shippen,  &c., 
may  catch  at  such  a  proposal,  so  some  New  Yorkers.  Would 
(that)  our  people  (might)  be  brought  to  know  their  true  interest 
and  help  me.  Parting  with  the  government  should  never  part 
them  and  me ;  but  to  them  I  would  yet  come,  and  be  a  protec- 
tion to  them  under  it,  and  settle  my  young  brood  with  them. 
But  I  despair  of  their  recovery,  and  believe  that  a  tight  and  rig- 
orous hand»must  first  teach  them  to  value  my  company  and  give 
me  better  entertainment.  I  justify  not  my  son's  folly,  and  less 
their  provocation ;  but  if  his  regards  to  your  governor  does  not 
hinder  him,  he  has  a  great  interest  to  obtain  it  with  persons  of 
great  quality,  and  in  the  ministry  too ;  and  he  is  of  a  temper  to 
remember  them,  though  I  fear  they  did  design  the  affront  to  me 
more  than  to  him,  which  renders  the  case  worse.  In  short,  sell 
nothing  but  to  return  as  I  said  just  now,  neither  one  thing  nor 
another  in  cash  or  bills :  I  will  rather  sell  here  to  the  govern- 
ment. 

I  expect  that  Friends  and  your  assembly  will  do  me  justice 
upon  David  Lloyd.  If  what  thou  writest  be  true  of  his  forgery 
and  clandestine  work  after  the  assembly  was  up,  't  is  an  intoler- 
able abuse,  and  deserves  all  he  is  worth  in  the  world  ;  and  unless 
they  will  make  him  a  public  example,  and  turn  him  out  from 


358  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [l704-5- 

being  recorder  or  a  practitioner  at  any  of  my  courts,  I  hereby 
desire  Judge  Mompesson,  as  he  has  expressed  he  can,  would 
show  them  the  force  of  their  charters  as  well  as  how  they 
have  basely  made  use  of  them.  I  say  again,  I  desire  that  he 
would  evacuate  both,  that  to  the  town,  and  that  to  the  province, 
since  I  find  more  justice  and  mercy  from  my  enemies  than  some 
of  my  professed  friends — I  mean  as  to  the  profession.  Let  no 
time  be  lost,  and  I  shall  lose  none  here.  I  am  anxiously  grieved 
at  thy  unhappy  love,  for  thy  sake  and  my  own,  for  T.  S.  and  thy 
discord'  has  been  of  no  service  here  any  more  than  there,  and 
some  say,  that  come  thence,  that  thy  amours  have  so  altered  or 
influenced  thee  that  thou  art  grown  touchy  and  apt  to  give  short 
and  rough  answers,  which  many  call  haughty,  &c.  I  make  no 
judgment,  but  caution  thee,  as  in  former  letters,  to  let  truth  pre- 
side, and  bear  impertinencies  as  patiently  as  thou  canst.  Others 
would  insinuate  further,  as  if  thy  complaining  was  for  thy  own 
interest,  at  my  damage  ;  but  I  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  that:  the  best 
conduct  draws  often  the  greatest  envy  or  reflection  sometimes. 

I  own  I  am  unspeakably  disappointed  in  not  knowing  how 
my  interest  lies  as  to  bonds,  rent-rolls,  &c.,  what  is  received 
and  what  paid;  and  fail  not  of  it  by  the  first  opportunity.^ 

I  had  a  letter  from  the  judge,  and  packets  from  the  governor, 
a  letter  from  Samuel  Carpenter,  Isaac  Norris,  and  Griffith  Owen, 
which  I  '11  answer  if  I  can ;  but  my  incomparable  difficulties 
press  me,  and  one  is,  two  German  gentlemen,  who  are  come 
hither  to  pass  to  you,  to  fix  a  colony  in  the  province  of  Germans, 
and  the  ship  is  ready  to  sail,  but  I  purpose  to  write  to  the  gov- 
ernor. My  dear  love  to  the  above  named,  and  all  others  that 
are  right  minded.     For  thy  Barbadoes  letters,  they  are  safe  by 

^Thomas  Story  married,  about  this  time,  Ann,  daughter  of  Edward 
Shippen,  to  whom  the  secretary  had  been  much  attached.  She  was  a 
fine  woman,  but  died  a  few  years  after  her  marriage  of  a  consump- 
tion :  they  had  no  issue.  Thomas  Story  received  the  house  in  Second 
Street  where  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania  now  stands,  as  part  of  her  mar- 
riage dower.  This  he  afterwards  sold  to  James  Logan,  with  whom  in 
the  .decline  of  life  he  corresponded  on  religious  and  philosophical  sub- 
jects. —  L. 

*A  long  letter  in  answer  to  this  article,  on  William  Penn's  private 
estate,  is  in  being,  but  it  appeared  unnecessary  to  insert  it  here.  —  I^. 


I704-5-]  CORRESPONDENCE.  359 

the  ship's  being  retaken,  &c.  Oh,  that  some  of  our  people  would 
read  the  book  of  Numbers  from  the  20th  to  the  30th  chapter, 
and  see  their  condition.  But  I  must  be  brief,  so  desiring  thee 
to  send  me  a  full  account  of  all  things,  and  to  be  lively  and  dili- 
gent in  my  business,  which  succeeding,  so  shalt  thou,  I  end. 
Thy  loving  friend,  Wm.  Penn. 

2']th  \2th-7no.,  1704. 

P.  S.  —  I  had  John  Sotcher's  letter,  and  desire  him  to  go  on 
as  he  has  done  and  send  me  their  history  by  all  opportunities  ; 
with  my  love  to  him  and  her»  and  the  family.  I  was  pleased 
with  his  account,  but  would  have  it  yet  more  exact.  Mine  are 
well  and  salute  friends  and  thee.     Vale. 


On  the  28th  of  October,  this  year,  1704,  died  the  celebrated 
philosopher,  John  Locke :  he  was  friendly  to  William  Penn  and 
the  principles  of  the  Quakers,  and  by  his  excellent  letter  on 
toleration,  first  printed  in  1690,  materially  contributed  to  put  a 
stop  to  the  illiberal  treatment  and  persecution  which  they  had 
received.  —  L. 


[Note. — The  winter  of  1704-5  was  remarkably  severe,  as 
may  be  gathered  from  some  passages  in  the  foregoing  letters, 
and  which  the  following  extracts  corroborate.  —  L.] 

Isaac  Norris  to  Daniel  Zachary. 

i2th-fno.,  1704-5. 
....  As  the  longest  English  liver  has  never  known  such  a 
winter  as  this  for  the  abundance  of  snow,  so  have  never  had 
such  a  vacation.  All  avenues  are  stopped,  and  travelling  wholly 
impeded  till  just  now.  The  post  has  not  been  here  these  six 
weeks,  which  makes  the  time  pass  on  very  melancholy,  and  the 
more  particularly  for  the  want  of  hearing  from  thee  as  usual. 
This  makes  me  assured  'twill  be  as  welcome  to  thee  to  hear  thy 
little  boy  is  well,  and  our  family,  with  friends  generally.     Our 


360  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704-5. 

river  has  been  fast  these  six  weeks,  and  people  go  and  come 
with  carts,  sleds,  horses,  &c.,  as  on  land.  Dutch  sleds  are 
mightily  in  fashion  here  this  winter 


Isaac  Norris  to  John  Askew. 

Philadelphia,  \oth  \2th-m0.,  (^Feb.,)  1704-5. 
"  We  have  had  the  deepest  snow  this  winter  that  has  been 
known,  (by  the  longest  English,  liver  here ;)  no  travelling,  all 
avenues  shut;  the  post  has  not  gone  these  six  weeks.  The  river 
still  fast :  people  bring  loads  over  it,  as  they  did  seven  years  agx) 
when  thou  wast  here ;  many  creatures  like  to  perish." 


[Extracts  giving  some  account  of  the  situation  of  affairs,  and 
particular  inhabitants,  &c.  —  L,] 

"William  Clark,  senior,  (judge,)  lately  dead,  and  a  mishap 
fallen  to  the  circumstances  of  his  son,  which  I  doubt  you  will 
too  soon  hear  of." 

[13/^  Sth-mo.,  i7os<] 

"  Charles  Read  was  buried  last  first-day,  after  about  eight 
months  laid  up  of  his  'distemper.  Sarah  Plumstead  (Righton 
that  was)  thought  to  be  near  expiring  of  consumption.  Our 
governor  and  assembly  don't  hit  it;  David  Lloyd  is  speaker; 
Jos.  Wilcox,  J.  Wood,  and  some  others,  are  right-hand  men ; 
't  is  feared  they  endeavor  to  confuse  all  by  design,  though  all 
deny.  In  the  main,  we  yet  do  well  enough,  but  fear  Governor 
Penn  cannot  hold  it  without  better  supplies  and  more  unanimity 
of  the  people.  John  Moore  is  collector,  and  severe  enougn. 
Col.  Quary  gone  to  Virginia,  in  order  for  England  again:  'tis 
sudden  and  mysterious.  Cornbury  carries  it  with  a  high  hand 
in  the  Jerseys." 


I704-5-]  CORRESPONDENCE.  361 

James  Logan  to  William  Penn.^ 

Philadelphia,  i\th  \2th-m0.,  1704-5. 
Honored  Governor: — The  inclosed  is  much  of  what  I  wrote 
from  New  Castle  when  the  assembly  was  held  there  ;  but  when- 
ever duplicates  come,  wrote  in  my  own  hand,  I  request  that  the 
first  may  be  destroyed,  and  the  latest  only  kept.  Since  that 
time,  Captain  Robinson  arrived  with  thine  of  the  5th-mo.  last, 
by  which  I  am  extremely  troubled  to  perceive  the  apprehensions 
our  separation  of  the  province  and  territories  give  thee,  and 
that  it  may  prove  a  hinderance  in  thy  treaty  with  the  Crown. 
All  possible  measures,  as  has  been  largely  said,  have  been  taken 
to  prevent  it,  but  there  is  no  remedy ;  however,  if  thou  canst 
not  find  thy  account  in  treating  with  the  ministry,  by  a  much 
more  pacific  temper  for  this  winter  among  the  people  than  we 
were  blessed  with  some  time  before,  I  am  in  hopes  that  it  may 
not  prove  impossible  to  carry  on  affairs  for  some  further  time 
with  so  much  ease  that  it  may  be  no  great  hardship  to  thee  still 
to  hold  the  government.  Matters  have  been  much  smoother  of 
late,  and  all  things  very  quiet;  whether  it  maybe  in  some  meas- 
ure owing  to  the  hopes  we  have  of  better  days,  from  that  great 
action  on  the  Danube,  I  know  not,  and  of  our  trade  reviving, 
&c.,  I  know  not;  but  this  govermnent  has  never  been  more 
calm  than  of  late :  Quary  and  all  the  rest  very  good,  David 
Lloyd  in  appearance.  The  present  mayor,  Griffith  Jones,  direct 
contrary  to  what  was  expected,  acquits  himself  with  the  greatest 
moderation '  and  most  temper  than  any  in  his  place  have  done. 
Only  that  lurking  snake,  David  Lloyd,  keeps  and  is  kept  at  a 
distance. 

^  [This  letter  is  incomplete.  —  Editor.] 

*  Colonel  Quary's  violent  opposition  to  the  government  of  William 
Penn  appears  to  have  ceased  about  this  time.  He  had  made  a  visit  to 
England,  and  it  is  to  be  presumed  the  remedy  mentioned  in  the  letter 
to  Judge  Mompesson  had  been  efficacious.  David  Lloyd  and  his  ad- 
herents now  clouded  the  political  horizon  in  Pennsylvania;  and  the 
comfort  of  the  few  remaining  years  of  William  Penn's  life  was  also 
deeply  assailed  by  the  exorbitant  demands  made  against  him  by  Philip 
Ford,  his  agent  and  steward  on  his  Irish  estate,  of  which  transaction 
many  particulars  will  be  found  in  future  letters.  —  L. 


362  PENN   AND    LOGAN  [1704-5. 

What  the  assembly  will  be  prevailed  on  to  do  when  they 
meet,  which  is  to  be  the  3d-mo.  next,  I  know  not,  but  it  is  to 
be  hoped  time  will,  by  degrees,  open  the  misled  members'  eyes, 
and  that  if  this  year  produces  no  good  effect,  it  may  as  little  ill, 
and  then  perhaps  David  may  be  disappointed  in  the  next  elec- 
tion, which  we  could  not  bring  to  bear  in  the  last,  because  of 
some  advantages  that  by  an  unlucky  occasion  he  took  and  im- 
proved. His  base  letter  I  hope  has  fallen  into  thy  own  hands  only, 
and  then  the  damage  will  be  small,  and  will  but  serve  to  give 
thee  a  portraiture  of  the  harm  that  some  men  carry  in  their 
breasts.  He  is  much  abhorred  by  most  that  hear  of  it;  but  as 
I  have  said  in  my  last,  we  can  by  no  means  come  at  a  copy  of 
it.  Upon  the  whole,  I  humbly  offer  it  as  my  6pinion  that,  if 
thou  canst  not  come  to  advantageous  terms  with  the  Crown  for 
the  government,  the  best  way  would  be  for  thee  to  settle  affairs 
there  the  best  thou  canst,  and  make  a  trip  over  thyself;  for  thou 
canst  never,  in  my  judgment,  be  safe  altogether  here  while  the  gov- 
ernment is  in  thy  own  hands ;  and  endeavor  to  get  back  these 
charters,  granting  others  at  the  same  time  equally  beneficial.' . . . 

Both  the  governor  and  myself  are  much  at  a  stand  what  to 
believe  of  the  surrender,  but  are  inclinable  to  think  't  is  resolved: 
however,  the  assembly  being  to  meet  the  very  day  the  letters 
arrived,  the  governor  made  them  a  speech  as  proper  for  the 
occasion  as  could  be  thought  of,  with  these  two  designs  in  view  : 
first,  that  if  the  government  were  surrendered,  the  persons  who 
were  the  causes  of  it  might  be  the  more  pointed  out,  and  the 
just  blame  thrown  upon  them  that  they  deserved,  &c. ;  secondly, 
if  not,  that  they  might  either  be  effectually  pressed  to  do  busi- 
ness, or  be  exposed  to  the  country,  which  is  already  much  in- 
censed against  them.  A  copy  of  this,  with  their  answer,  and 
another  sharp  message  to  them,  is  sent  inclosed.  Friends 
are  so  extremely  dissatisfied  with  their  proceedings,  that  we 
have  very  good  assurances,  in  case  they  have  the  opportunity 
of  another  election  on  the  same  foot,  there  will  be  a  choice 
according  to  thy  own  heart  in  Chester  County,  and  mostly  in 
this ;  but  Bucks  is  a  weak  and  unsanctified  place,  through  Wil- 
liam Biles's  means  chiefly ;  and  the  town  will  always,  I  doubt, 

*  [Here  four  pages  of  the  manuscript  are  wanting.  — Editor.] 


1704-5]  CORRESPONDENCE.  363 

yield  us  two  enemies,  but  the  honest  of  other  places  fear  not 
overpowering  them. 

There  is  also  a  design  to  send  thee  an  address  from  the  prin- 
cipal Friends  of  the  place,  lamenting  those  unhappy  proceed- 
ings, and  purging  themselves  from  them,  with  a  condemnation 
of  that  base  letter  from  David  Lloyd,  which,  whether  the  sur- 
render be  made  or  not,  will,  I  know,  be  of  very  great  service, 
especially  in  case  any  copies  of  the  letter  should  be  published ; 
but  if  an  account  should  arrive  before  it  is  done  that  thou  hast 
parted  with  all,  it  will  be  afterwards  impracticable.  Those 
troublesome  members  have  been  so  fully  exposed,  that  great 
part  of  the  country  will  now  be  as  careful  to  choose  men  that 
will  give  money,  and  support  government,  as  at  other  times 
they  would  avoid  it.  I  wish  their  wiser  repentance  may  not 
come  too  late;  and  am  sorry  the  law  of  property  is  returned 
blank,  for  on  that  only  oor  resurveys  were  grounded ;  and  with- 
out the  allowance  of  the  10  in  the  100,  it  will  be  impossible,  I 
fear,  to  recover  any  overplus  without  suits  at  law ;  nor  do  I  know 
how  we  can  that  way  itself  go  about  it.  The  people  I  believe 
will  at  length,  if  their  present  disposition  hold,  be  willing  to 
settle  a  revenue  as  desired ;  but  at  the  same  time  they  must,  by 
as  firm  a  law,  be  settled  in  all  things  that  are  their  due,  both 
privileges  and  property :  this,  I  mean,  after  another  election,  for 
from  the  present  nothing  is  to  be  expected.  They  talk,  indeed, 
of  taking  it  into  consideration  immediately ;  but  we  have  reason 
to  believe  that,  as  they  are  now  composed,  they  will  do  more 
hurt  than  good,  and  that  the  best  service  at  present  is  to  expose 
them  to  the  country.  There  are,  however,  six  or  seven  as  good 
members  as  could  be  wished  for;  but  the  rest  being  made  up  of 
k s  and  fools,  the  latter,  as  usual,  are  made  tools  to  the  former. 

Thy  unfortunate  losses  by  sea  yield  so  melancholy  a  prospect 
that  it  quite  disheartens  me ;  but  it  is  not  thy*  lot  alone  :  William 
Trent  and  Isaiac  Norris,  the  chief  traders  in  the  place,  have  lost 
this  last  year,  I  fear,  one-third  of  their  estates ;  for  scarce  any- 
thing returns  that  hath  been  sent  out.  But  upon  advice  that  at 
Barbadoes  the  country  has  fitted  out  two  or  three  good  vessels 
to  defend  their  coasts,  seeing  the  men-of-war  have  resolved  to 
take  no  care  of  them,  I  shipped  on  board  of  Capt.  Robinson  a 


364  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704-5. 

small  venture  of  flour  more  on  thy  account ;  before  the  receipt 
of  thy  last  letters,  but  shall  hold  thy  hand  that  way  till  further 
orders,  unless  it  be  in  such  quantities  as  I  find  a  necessity  to 
receive  in  flour.  But  we  have  not  found  yet  any  effects  from 
the  Queen's  orders  for  allowing  trade  with  the  Spaniards,  they 
refusing  mostly  to  trade  with  us. 

Trade  for  Madeira  is  likewise,  this  summer,  very  discouraging, 
wheat  being  fallen  there  one-third  in  the  price,  and  wine  ad- 
vanced as  much  on  the  other  hand. 

I  am  very  much  troubled  that  thou  wast  not  pleased  to  let  me 
understand  before,  thy  design  with  a  rent-roll  and  the  bonds : 
the  first  I  shall  despatch  as  soon  as  possible,  in  the  best  manner 
I  can  to  answer  the  end,  but  't  is  a  very  tedious  work,  being  so 
very  difficult  to  get  the  people  to  meet  me  for  want  of  money,  that 
I  cannot  promise  it  before  next  winter  is  gone,  and  then,  if  it 
please  God  I  live,  and  we  have  peace, -I  think  thou  may  depend 
upon  it.  I  have  been  very  busy  last  winter  in  settling  books 
and  accounts,  and  this  spring  I  have  mostly  spent  in  carrying 
on  the  roll,  and  so  shall  continue;  but  it  had  been  much  more 
forward  if  last  summer  had  not  found  me  so  many  diversions, 
not  from  what  thou  mentions  of  my  amours,  for  the  trouble  I 
met  with  in  that  way  was  so  sudden,  and  the  person  I  mentioned 
in  mine  of  8br.  so  irretrievably  gone  all  at  once,  that  prudence 
would  advise  me  to  business  at  that  time  more  than  ever,  and  I 
assure  thee  nothing  of  the  kind  could  pass  more  easily  over,  for 
the  treatment  carried  its  own  cure  with  it.  The  diversions  that 
I  mean  were  the  most  perplexing  thoughts,  as  well  as  business 
arising  from  thy  concerns  here  at  that  time:  some  small  business 
of  my  own  I  had  't  is  true,  but  that  soon  came  to  an  end  by  the 
fortune  of  trade  and  war,  of  which  thyself  has  been  so  deep  a 
partaker. 

I  here  send  thee  a  list  of  the  bonds  in  my  possession,  with  an 
account  of  what  is  due  upon  them,  without  reckoning  interest ; 
but  few  of  them  will  be  fit  to  be  assigned  there,  because  pay- 
ment cannot  well  be  refused  when  tendered ;  but  now  I  know 
thy  intentions,  I  shall  make  it  my  business  with  other  things  to 
take  obligations  for  as  much  as  I  can,  especially  for  such  debts 
as  may  be  likely  to  continue  out  longer,  in  which  I  have  been 


1704-5]  CORRESPONDENCE.  365 

more  remiss  hitherto,  having  the  lands  always  foi'security,  which 
is  much  better  than  personal,  and  there  is  no  disputing  the 
interest,  for  as  we  draw  our  warrants  now  upon  new  sales,  their 
not  complying  with  the  terms  forfeits  their  tenure,  a  method 
that  it  had  been  happy  if  it  always  had  been  practised.  But 
sales  of  land  are  now  mostly  over,  the  greatest  part  that  we 
bargained  for  being  within  the  first  year  after  thy  departure : 
since  which,  money  being  so  scarce,  and  wheat  low,  there  is  no 
encouragement  to  buy,  and  but  very  few  look  after  their  over- 
plus. An  account  of  which,  all  the  art  I  can  use  cannot  yet 
bring  to  any  perfection,  notwithstanding  't  is  now  near  eighteen 
months  since  the  resurveys  were  over ;  but  the  surveyors  plead 
so  many  difficulties,  that  I  cannot  have  the  returns  finished,  but 
this  year,  if  we  live,  will  end  it  all. 

I  do  assure  thee  I  never  had  the  least  notion  of  thy  mort- 
gaging the  quit-rents,  or  assigning  "bonds  here,  till  the  receipt  of 
thy  last,  a  few  days  ago;  otherwise  should^  have  endeavored 
to  be  in  a  better  readiness ;  and  had  the  less  reason  to  suspect 
the  former  by  thy  son's  discourse,  on  whom  I  understood  they 
were  settled ;  but  that  being  none  of  my  business,  I  shall  obey 
orders  ''[as  for  the  bonds,  I  know  not  what  to  think  of  the 
method,  for  whatever  bonds  thou  assigns  I  must  afterwards  for- 
bear to  receive  any  pay  of  them,  notwithstanding  many  are  such 
as  one  would  be  well  enough  pleased  to  receive  at  any  rate. 
But  one  of  the  best  funds  now  of  land  is  the  new  Welsh  settle- 
ment in  New  Castle  County,  could  the  business  between  Mary- 
land and  us  be  settled ;  there  is  ;^3,ooo  due  there,  of  which  we 

^  [Mrs.  Logan's  copy  ends  here,  but  we  are  able,  from  the  original 
manuscript  placed  in  our  hands,  to  restore  a  portion  of  the  letter. — Ed.] 

"[There  is  some  confusion  in  the  contents  of  this  letter.  That  part 
of  it  beginning  with  the  above  words,  "  as  for  the  bonds,'^  down  to  the 
word  ^'protested,''  on  the  366th  page,  and  from  the  succeeding  words, 
namely,  ^^  From  the  bad  success,''  to  the  word  '^  beat,'"  on  page  367, 
form  the  subject  of  an  independent  letter,  copied  by  Mrs.  Logan  under 
the  title,  "  Letter  from  James  Logan  to  William  Penn,  without  a  date, 
but  apparently  belonging  to  this  period."  The  remainder  of  the 
epistle,  as  copied  by  Mrs.  Logan,  is,  under  the  above  heading,  to  be 
found  under  the  date  of  2 2d  of  gth-mo.,  1704,  on  page  344.  Those 
passages  succeeding  the  word  '■'■protested,''''  not  being  found  elsewhere, 
we  have  given  at  the  end  of  this  letter.  — Editor.] 


366  PENN   AND   LOGAN  [1704-5. 

shall  not  get  $60,  I  fear,  except  from  one  family,  till  that  busi- 
ness of  the  line  be  adjusted,  the  people  demanding  positive  war- 
ranties before  they  pay  the  money,  and  the  claims  made  by  those 
of  Maryland  are  so  many  that  it  puzzles  us  extremely.  If  that 
whole  business  be  not  issued  in  thy  lifetime,  I  doubt  thy  heirs 
will  reap  no  great  benefit  from  a  large  part  of  these  counties : 
they  grow  more  bold  now  than  ever,  and  extend  their  claims 
upon  old  surveys  up  to,  and  some  beyond,  our  old  settlement. 
I  must  always  press  this,  and  in  every  letter,  as  of  the  greatest 
necessity. 

I  admire  I  hear  nothing  by  this  last  opportunity  of  new  [ob- 
literated] Letitia's  lots  and  lands.  I  have  urged  much,  and  sent 
over  all  that  [obliterated]  received  nothing,  besides  two  very 
angry  letters  from  herself  and  husband,  threatening  to  send  over 
some  person  to  look  after  it  at  thy  charge  [obliterated].  I  would 
by  no  means  -disoblige  Letitfa,  having  a  hearty  respect  [oblit- 
erated] her  concerns,  but  'tis  impossible  to  do  more  than  the 
circumstances  of  the  thing  will  allow  of.  There  is  ^400  out  in 
good  hands  on  interest,  which  I  shall  receive,  and  ;^400  more  in 
thy  business,  which  shall  be  the  first  thing  I  remit  with  the 
interest.  Since  the  arrival  of  the  powers,  now  fifteen  months 
ago,  I  [obliterated]  bargained  for  £72$  more,  but  none  will  take 
titles  or  pay  money  upon  these  we  have,  nor,  had  we  all  the 
money  in  hand,  can  find  out  any  way  to  remit  it :  two-thirds  of 
the  Maryland  bills  are  said  to  be  protested^  [obliterated.]  .... 

From  the  bad  success  thou  hast  had  in  returns,  I  am  sensible 
my  reputation  among  some  sorts  of  people  will  be  in  much 
danger,  for  I  well  know  that  the  active  part  of  the  world  is  too 
much  composed  of  such  as,  having  no  other  scope  of  life  but 
self-interest  to  themselves,  make  success  in  others  the  measure 
of  their  understanding.  I  shall  be  very  willing  therefore  if  thou 
intends  not  shortly  to  come  over  thyself,  to  make  it  my  sole 
business  for  the  future  to  settle  all  thy  affairs  in  the  province 
ami  bring  them  to  a  head,  to  make  perfect  drafts  and  rolls  of 
all  the  lands  surveyed,  with  an  account  of  all  overplus  and 
vacancies,  and  whatever  also  thou  hast  any  claim  on,  and  to 

'  [See  note  2,  page  365. — Editor.] 


1704-5]  CORRESPONDENCE.  367 

settle  all  manner  of  accounts  with  every  person  I  have  had  to 
do  with,  and  then  to  bring  all  over  to  England  with  me,  to  give 
an  account  of  my  stewardship,  and  then,  as  there  shall  be  occa- 
sion, receive  a  discharge  or  otherwise.  This  I  hope  to  be  able 
to  do  against  next  fall  come  twelve  months,  and  in  the  mean 
time  thou  may  give  me  thy  sentiments;  but  't  is  now  very  much 
my  inclination,  for  I  must  not  suffer  my  accounts  to  be  long 
unadjusted,  nor  my  reputation  to  be  martyred  on  both  sides  : 
here  for  too  much  rigor,  and  there  for  its  opposite. 

I  cannot  understand  that  paragraph  in  thy  letter  relating  to 
T.  S.  and  myself:  thou  says  our  discord  has  done  no  niore  good 
there  than  here,  and  know  not  who  carried  the  account  of  it, 
for  I  wrote  to  none  that  I  know  but  thyself,  in  ybr.,  1703,  and  I 
am  no  more  to  be  blamed  than  a  person  that 's  [obliterated]  in 
the  highway;  he  has  a  greater  privilege  above  me,  'tis  true  [ob- 
literated] profession  he  makes,  but  't  is  too  far  extended  if  one 
must  be  beat*  [obliterated]  for  his  having  a  mind  to  do  it  the 
first.  Before  that  we  had  lived  eighteen  months  very  good 
friends  without  any  manner  of  provocation,  only  that  I  had 
about  three  or  four  months  before  spoke  something  to  Edward 
Shippen  relating"  .... 

Two-thirds  of  the  Maryland  bills  are  said  to  be  protested, 
which  has  made  the  generality  of  them  of  no  manner  of  value. 
I  paid  Richard  Hill  for  him  ;^225  in  money  for  W.  Aubrey,  and 
hope  this  summer  to  clear  off  all  the  interest,  so  that  he  shall 
have  no  reason  to  complain  on  that  head.  Nor  is  there  quite 
so  much  as  he  believes,  would  he  be  pleased  to  consider  that  T 
never  had  any  orders  about  it  till  until  the  i2th-mo.,  1703-4, 
and  the  letters  that  disturbed  him  so  much  were  writ  in  the 
8th-mo.  following,  a  space  too  short,  if  he  knew  our  circum- 
stances, to  expect  any  thing  from.  I  have  no  reason  to  be 
fond  of  the  business,  and,  were  it  not  Letitia's,  would  never  upon 
any  terms  meddle  with  it.  I  have  made  the  sales  not  only  to 
the  utmost  value  at  the  time,  but  outdone  the  expectations  of 
all  in  the  prices,  except  in  two  small  lots  where  I  was  a  little 

^[See  note  2,  page  365. — Editor.] 

'[Several  pages  of  manuscript  at  this  point  are  lost. — ^^ditor.] 


368  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704-5. 

overseen.  What  is  theirs  in  hand  in  thy  business  shall  be  hon- 
estly paid  with  the  interest,  and  that,  and  what  else  is  due,  shall 
be  very  readily  given  up  to  any  other  hand  they  shall  be  pleased 
to  appoint,  for  't  is  now  impossible  to  avoid  censure,  or  make 
remittances  as  desired.  We  cannot  coin  bills.  If  the  Mary- 
landers  have  not  credit  in  England,  it  is  in  vain  to  expect  good 
bills  from  them,  and  this  our  own  merchants  have  found  from 
dear  experience. 

I  wish  thou  would  prevail  with  William  to  take  his  money 
here;  though  with  a  better  exchange  than  usual,  it  would  be 
much  more  for  thy  interest,^  because  it  would  take  off  that  heavy^ 

^  The  reader  will  be  pleased  to  recollect  that  William  Penn's  elder 
children  were  entitled  to  lands  in  Pennsylvania  in  right  of  their  mother. 
The  following  is  part  of  a  letter  from  Wm.  Penn,  Jr.,  after  his  return 
to  England,  1705-6. — L. 

I  have  received  yours  of  the  9th  of  November,  and  can  assure  you, 
notwithstanding  your  complaints,  I  have  writ  twice  since  my  arrival. 
I  must  own  I  ought  to  have  writ  oftener,  both  on  my  own  account  as 
well  as  that  of  friendship  to  you.  I  was  large  to  the  governor  in  my 
last,  as  well  as  to  you,  and  had  put  up  a  packet  of  pamphlets  for  you, 
but  find  my  father  has  not  sent  them.  If  I  have  time  they  shall  come 
by  this  opportunity.  You  must  believe  I  cannot  live  here  about  a 
court  without  expenses  which  my  attendance  occasion,  and  I  must  own 
to  you  I  never  was  so  pinched  in  my  life,  wherefore  must  beg  you  to 
endeavor  all  you  can  to  send  over  my  effects,  with  all  the  speed  you 
possibly  can  :  I  should  choose  bills  rather  than  any  other  way,  and  I 
think  my  chapman  ought  not  to  grudge  to  let  me  have  bills  for  my 

payment:  the  gold  I  had  of  Wm.  Trent  was  not  worth ,  of  which 

I  design  to  send  you  a  particular  account. 

I  hear  the  prosecution  against  me  still  continues,  and  that  they  have 
outlawed  me  upon  it :  I  have  complained  to  my  father,  who  tells  me 
he  has,  and  will  now  write  about  it,  and  that  I  shall  have  right  done 
me  in  it,  which  I  do  expect  at  your  hands,  I  mean  at  the  Quakers', 
who  are  the  people  who  have  given  me  this  affront;  or  else  I  shall 
make  use  of  a  shorter  cut  to  do  myself  justice,  and  will  lay  my  com- 
plaint before  the  Queen  and  council,  which  if  they  force  me  to,  be 
assured  I  shall  make  them  dearly  repent  they  ever  made  use  of  their 
charter  in  such  a  manner  as  to  use  those  people  so  ill  that  endeavored 
to  settle  a  militia  according  to  law  —  that  was  partly  the  ground  of 
their  quarrel  with  me,  added  to  my  not  being  of  their  opinion. 
I  would  have  you,well  consider  these  things,  and  think  how  ill  they 
will  sound  in  the  ears  of  a  government  at  home  that  are  not  of  princi- 
ples like  yours,  and  who  will  aptly  believe  their  inclination  is  as  much 
to  persecution  as  others,  durst  they  publicly  own  it.     I  should  be  sorry 


1704-5]  CORRESPONDENCE.  369 

clog  of  me,  and  he  might  direct  the  returns  to  be  made  as  he 
thought  fit  by  his  own  agents ;  for  by  bills  of  exchange  it  will 
be  very  difficult,  if  not  altogether  impossible,  till  trade  mend.  I 
request,  if  there  be  any  hopes  of  prevailing,  that  this  be  heartily 
labored,  for  this  is  the  only  way  thou  can  be  cleared  without 
tedious  delays  and  great  uneasiness.  Thou  might  give  orders 
to  send  home  vessels  into  Virginia  and  Maryland  with  goods 
to  purchase  bills  there,  which,  when  obtained,  perhaps  may  be 
good  for  very  little.  I  again  earnestly  beseech  thee  not  to  let 
anything  of  this  importance,  and  such  as  the  business  of  the 
lower  counties,  &c.,  lie  unanswered  and  unregarded,  when  thy 
own  interest  is  so  deeply  concerned  in  them. 


James  Logan  to  Mrs.  Letitia  Aubrey. 
[^£xfracf.']  Philadelphia,  12//^  \2th-m0.,  1704-5. 

....  Though  his  visit^  to  us  has  unhappily  made  a  great 
change  in  his  outward  appearance,  I  would  fain  hope  his  unex- 
pected return  has  wrought  no  great  alteration  in  thy  father's 
affairs,  or  in  their  good  understanding.  He  was  barbarously 
treated  by  that  rascal  David  Lloyd  ....  but  Griffith  Jones, 
being  now  mayor,  carries  matters  with  great'  ease,  and  I  hope 
the  temper  of  the  people  is  generally  mending,  and  am  sure 

they  should  force  me  to  things  quite  contrary  to  my  inclination ;  but 
as  my  honor  has  been  injured,  I  am  resolved  to  have  justice  done  me, 
or  run  all  hazards,  without  consideration  to  relation,  friend,  or  interest 
in  the  country. 

I  desire  you  if  possible  to  sell  the  remainder  of  my  land  there  before 
you  send  over,  and  make  what  returns  you  oan.  Pray  remember  me 
to  all  my  friends.  This  to  them  and  to  yourself,  that  I  am  and  ever 
will  be  your  affectionate  friend,  Wm.  Penn,  Jr. 

P.  S. — Pray  put  Isaac  Norris  and  William  Trent  in  mind  of  their 
promise  to  send  me  over  a  pipe  of  old  Madeira,  which  I  shall  take 
kindly.  My  father  has  promised  to  write  to  you  about  my  charges 
there.  If  there  be  any  extravagant  ones,  I  am  to  bear  them  ;  but  as  to 
that  of  books,  pocket  money,  and  clothes,  with  the  charges  of  the 
voyage  going  and  returning,  he  will  allow. 

To  James  Logan. 

^  [Her  brother,  William  Penn,  Jr.,  is  here  referred  to. — Editor.] 
VOL.  I.  —  25 


370  PENN   AND  LOGAN  [1704-5, 

thy  father's  circumstances  require  an  alteration  in  them.  Pray 
give  thyself  the  trouble  of  remembering  us.  A.  Sh.,  an  old 
friend,  is  still  as  before,  and  hitherto  unsuccessful.  J.  Growdon 
is  married  to  the  widow  Bulkly,  and  friend  Richardson  is  to 
have  his  daughter,  my  quondam,  Owen  has  Sarah  Sanders  ;  and 
David  Lloyd,  God  be  thanked,  is  gone  to  Maryland,  leaving  an 
acquaintance  more  happy  than  he  once  wished.  The  Lord 
grant  more  wit  to  those  that  need  it,  and  especially  to 

Thy  assured  and  faithful  friend  and  servant,  J.  L. 


Isaac  Norris  to  William  Penn,  Sen. 

Philadelphia,  13M  \2th-m0.,  1704-5. 

Honored  Friend  William  Penn,  Sen.  —  I  embrace  this  con- 
veyance, per  my  brother  Zachary,  to  give  thee  my  hearty  re- 
spects ;  and  since  thou  wast  pleased  formerly  to  allow  it,  I  shall 
give  some  hints  at  something  which  may  perhaps  slip  more 
important  pens. 

Thou  hast,  no  doubt,  a  full  account  of  all  proceedings  since 
the  arrival  of  our  present  lieutenant  governor.  It  is  far  from 
me  to  undertake  the  defence  of  our  assembly ;  but,  as  I  heartily 
wish  (and  while  I  was  concerned,  honestly  endeavored)  a  good 
understanding,  so  shall  crave  leave  to  give  my  opinion.  'Tis 
to  be  doubted  there  are  some  who,  by  linking  imaginary  with 
the  true  interests  of  the  country,  and  therewith  couch  and  cover 
their  own  interests  and  disgusts,  do  so  perplex  affairs  as  to  pre- 
vent a  good  issue,  and  may  almost  give  the  honest  and  unde- 
signing  to  despair  of  any  reconciliation  or  progress  to  settle- 
ment (as  perhaps  they  think  it  their  interest)  under  our  present 
establishment. 

On  the  other  side,  I  could  wish  a  more  ready  condescension 
to  what  is  reasonable,  just,  and  for  the  true  interest  of  the  place, 
and  that  some  punctilios  were  rather  stept  over,  than  that  we 
should  be  left  thus  open  and  naked,  stripped  of  laws  and  priv- 
ileges that  might  be  some  barrier  to  an  arbitrary  administration, 
if  such  a  one  should  unhappily  be  our  lot. 

In  order  to  this,  if  we  could  hear  what  has  become  of  our 


1704-5]  CORRESPONDENCE.  37! 

laws  on  your  side,  or  rather  that  they  were  confirmed,  for  't  is 
now  muttered  we  have  none,  and  by  thy  enemies  aggravated  as 
design,  by  dropping  what  we  had  confirmed  and  making  a  body 
of  thy  own,  and  then  neglecting  to  present  them  to  the  Queen 
(for  I  know  not  what  interest ;)  that  since  thou  hast  been 
pleased  to  grant  charters  to  province  and  city,  (which  proving  a 
bone,  some  could  wish  we  were  without,)  but  in  this  I  am  a 
skeptic;  that  they  may  not  be  unseasonably  oppugned  by  the 
chief  and  other  magistrates  on  pretence  of  weak  and  mal-ad- 
ministrations ;  that  the  dissolution  that  made  so  much  heat  the 
first  session  be  waived,  as  there  now  seems  inclination  to  do, 
(which,  if  it  had  been  done  at  first,  I  am  satisfied  the  designers 
had  not  had  their  ends  in  that  assembly,)  and  let  the  charter 
of  property,  or  somewhat  like  it,  be  confirmed  by  law ;  and  two 
or  three  other  good  laws  be  made,  which  I  need  not  be  particular 
in,  and  we  may  hope  a  happy  conclusion.  I  add  that  I  mean 
this  honestly  and  without  the  least  design  of  an  encroachment 
on  thy  interest ;  but  as  it  may  be  safe,  honorable  to  thee  and  thy 
memory,  which  I  can  sincerely  say  I  desire  may  be  sweetly 
handed  to  successive  ages,  not  only  as  a  worthy  undertaker  and 
leader  to  the  settlement,  but  as  a  kind  supporter  and  preserver, 
under  God,  to  the  people. 

I  beg  excuse  for  being  thus  homely  and  plain,  and  leave  to 
add  some  things  which  unhappily  give  too  much  occasion,  and 
I  fear  will  keep  a  handle  in  thy  enemies'  hands,  which  I  would 
fain  have  wrested  out,  and  that  is  the  impositions  without  law  — 
Ordinaries  must  pay  about  ;^8  a  license  —  We  have  now  addi- 
tional charges  and  fees  on  our  vessels — A  small  sloop,  such  as 
could  be  formerly  cleared  for  34s.,  will  now  come  to  near  £4 — 
Great  complaints  from  those  concerned  in  lawsuits,  of  extrav- 
agant fees.  I  wish  the  bill  of  fees  had  been  perfected  ere  thy 
going  off,  for  now,  having  no  law  in  the  case,  all  do  what  is  right 
in  their  own  eyes. 

John  Moore  is  collector;  and,  whether  to  appear  the  more  just, 
and  thereby  keep  the  office,  I  shall  not  determine,  not  only 
weighs  to  a  pound  all  tobacco,  but  refuses,  notwithstanding  the 
scarcity  of  money,  to  take  the  duty  in  [kind],  though  the  act  of 
Parliament  expressly  allows   it;    and    further,  whereas   it  has 


372  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704-5. 

always  been  usual  here,  as  in  England,  that  In  case  a  loss 
arise  before  the  tobacco  arrives  at  its  intended  port,  we  should 
have  liberty  to  ship  off  the  like  quantity  for  the  same  duty,  he 
refuses  us  this.  We  have  none  to  complain  to  in  the  case  but 
thee,  and  hope  thou  wilt  endeavor  that  we  are  not  thus  imposed 
on,  and  made  in  a  worse  condition  than  our  neighbors;  and 
notwithstanding  Col.  Quary,  when  we  objected  this  to  him, 
promised  we  should  not  be  harder  dealt  with,  yet  we  shall  find, 
for  all  his  endeavors,  in  Maryland  and  Virginia  they  ship  off  to- 
bacco as  formerly,  and  have  and  will  cut  us  put  of  the  Barbadoes 
trade  for  that  commodity.  I  also  advise  thee  that  Maryland 
has  not  only  laid  an  additional  imposition  upon  liquors,  but  has 
wholly  prohibited  bread,  flour,  horses,  and  tobacco,  &c.  No 
doubt  thou  wilt  have  a  copy  of  the  law.  I  shall  only  observe, 
in  ipy  poor  opinion,  .that  as  in  general  none  of  the  plantations 
ought  to  prohibit  anything  which  the  laws  of  trade  allow,  so 
'tis  barbarous  or  extremely  ill-natured  to  prohibit  bread,  &c., 
the  staff  of  life.  The  Spaniard,  who  is  as  jealous  of  his  trade 
in  the  West  Indies  as  of  his  wife  at  home,  allows  us  to  carry 
them  provisions  in  time  of  peace;  and  shall  subjects  of  the  same 
crown  be  suffered  to  do  thus? 

After  what  I  have  said  above,  I  do  assure  thee  I  have  not  the 
least  dissatisfaction  to  the  governor,  but  love  and  honor  him  as 
a  gentleman  of  parts  and  worth ;  and  when  more  experience 
has  obliged  him  to  con  the  proverb,  "  Qui  nescit  dissimulare, 
nescit  regnare,"  in  its  best  sense,  I  doubt  not  his  being  as  good 
a  governor  as  any  in  America. 

I  must  now  entreat  a  favorable  construction  of  all  I  have 
said,  as  intended  for  service  of  thy  interest  and  the  country's; 
for  although  I  have  had  for  some  time  an  inclination  to  write  to 
thee  somewhat  of  this  nature,  yet  through  caution  and  fear  having 
forbore  till  the  last  hour  of  the  post  going  out,  I  cannot  be  so 
correct  or  intelligible  as  I  could  wish,  or  might  have  been  on 
second  thought. 

Our  families  are  well.  Sister  Hill  has  another  daughter,  now 
five  days  old,  and  like  to  do  well.  Being  hastened,  I  must  refer 
to  the  intended  bearer  for  any  further  news;  and  with  mine 


1704-5-]  CORRESPONDENCE.  373 

and  wife's  hearty  respects  to  thee,  thy  good  wife,  and  all  thine, 
I  conclude. 

Thy  cordial  friend,  Isaac  Norris. 


William  Penn  to  Roger  Mompesson. 

i^ih  i2th-nto.,  1704-5. 

Honored  Friend:  —  It  is  a  long  time  since  I  have  been 
obliged  with  any  letter  from  thee,  and  then  so  short,  that  had 
not  others  furnished  me  with  thy  American  character,  I  had 
been  at  a  loss  to  answer  the  inquiries  of  thy  friends;  but  by  my 
son  I  received  one  more  copiously  informing  me  of  those  affairs 
that  so  nearly  concern  both  the  public  and  my  personal  and 
family  good  ;  and  for  answer  to  the  greatest  part  thereof,  I  desire 
thee  to  observe :  First,  that  I  am  determined  with  God's  help  to 
stand  firmly  to  both,  and  for  that  reason  will  neither  turn  an 
enemy  to  the  public,  nor  suffer  any  under  the  style  of  the  public 
good  to  supplant  mine.  And  as  I  take  thee  to  be  a  man  of  law 
and  justice  and  honor,  I  do  entirely  refer  my  concerns,  both  as 
to  the  legality  and  prudence  thereof,  not  only  in  government 
but  property,  to  thy  judicious  and  judicial  issue,  so  as  it  may 
hold  water  with  thy  most  learned  and  honorable  friends  here 
of  both  parties.  I  went  thither  to  lay  the  foundation  of  a  free 
colony  for  all  mankind,  that  should  go  thither,  more  especially 
those  of  my  own  profession;  not  that  I  would  lessen  the  civil 
liberties  of  others  because  of  their  persuasion,  but  screen  and 
defend  our  own  from  any  infringement  on  that  account. 

The  charter  I  granted  was  intended  to  shelter  them  against  a 
violent  or  arbitrary  governor  imposed  upon  us ;  but  that  they 
should  turn  it  against  me,  that  intended  their  security  thereby, 
has  something  very  unworthy  and  provoking  in  it,  especially 
when  I  alone  have  been  at  all  the  charge,  as  well  as  danger  and 
disappointment,  in  coming  so  abruptly  back  and  defending  our- 
selves against  our  enemies  here,  and  obtaining  the  Queen's  gra- 
cious approbation  of  a  governor  of  my  nominating  and  commis- 
sioning, the  thing  they  seemed  so  much  to  desire.  But  as  a 
father  does  not  use  to  knock  his  children  on  the  head  when  they 


374  PENN    AND    LOGAN  [1704-5. 

do  amiss,  so  I  had  much  rather  they  were  corrected  and  better 
instructed  than  treated  to  the  rigor  of  their  deservings.  I  there- 
fore earnestly  desire  thee  to  consider  of  what  methods  law  and 
reason  will  justify,  by  which  they  may  be  made  sensible  of  their 
incroachments  and  presumption,  that  they  may  see  themselves 
in  a  true  light,  in  their  just  proportions  and  dimensions,  accord- 
ing to  the  old  saying,  "  Metiri  se  quemque  suo  modulo  ac  pede 
verum  est."  No  doubt  but  their  follies  have  been  frequent  and 
big  enough  in  the  city  to  vacate  their  charter,  but  that  should 
be  the  last  thing,  if  anything  else  would  do.  I  would  hope  that 
in  the  abuse  of  power,  punishing  the  immediate  offenders  should 
instruct  them  to  use  it  well.  But  doubtless  the  choice  of  David 
Lloyd,  both  for  speaker  and  recorder,  after  the  affront  he  gave 
in  open  court  to  the  authority  of  the  Crown  in  the  late  reign, 
which  he  owned  but  never  repented  of,  and  for  which  the  lords 
justices  of  England  commanded  me  to  have  him  tried  and  pun- 
ished, and  to  send  them  word  what  punishment  I  inflicted,  as 

also  the  choice  of for ,  that  confessed  himself  to  defraud 

the  king  of  his  customs,  for  which  he  is  punishable  at  this  day, 
since  "  nullum  tempus  occurrit  regi,"  are  only  ugly  flaws  on 
their  charter. 

There  is  an  excess  of  vanity  that  is  apt  to  creep  in  upon 
the  people  in  power  in  America,  who,  having  got  out  of  the 
crowd  in  which  they  were  lost  here,  upon  every  little  eminency 
there,  think  nothing  taller  than  themselves  but  the  trees,  and 
as  if  there  were  no  af^er  superior  judgment  to  which  they  should 
be  accountable ;  so  that  I  have  sometimes  thought  that  if  there 
was  a  law  to  oblige  the  people  in  power,  in  their  respective  col- 
onies, to  take  turns  in  coming  over  for  England,  that  they  might 
lose  themselves  again  amongst  the  crowds  of  so  much  more 
considerable  people  at  the  custom-house,  exchange,  and  West- 
minster Hall,  they  would  exceedingly  amend  in  their  conduct 
at  their  return,  and  be  much  more  discreet  and  tractable,  and  fit 
for  government.  In  the  mean  time,  pray  help  to  prevent  them 
not  to  destroy  themselves.  Accept  of  my  commission  of  chief 
justice  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  territories.  Take  them  all  to 
task  for  their  contempts,  presumption,  and  riots.  Let  them  know 
and  feel  the  just  order  and  decency  of  government,  and  that 


I704--5.]  CORRESPONDENCE.  375 

they  are  not  to  command  but  to  be  commanded  according  to 
law  and  constitution  of  English  government.  And  till  tho$e  un- 
worthy people  that  hindered  an  establishment  upon  thee  as  their 
chief  justice  are  amended  or  laid  aside,  so  as  thou  art  considered 
by  law  to  thy  satisfaction,  I  freely  allow  thee  twenty  pounds  each 
session,  which  I  take  to  be  at  spring  and  fall ;  and  at  any  extra- 
ordinary session  thou  mayst  be  called  from  New  York  unto,  upon 
nice  or  weighty  causes,  having  also  thy  viaticum  discharged.  Let 
me  entreat  this  as  an  act  of  friendship,  and  as  a  just  and  honor- 
able man.  More  particulars  expect  by  James  Logan,  for  I  per- 
ceive time  is  not  to  be  lost. 

Now  I  must  condole  thy  great  loss  in  thy  wife  and  own 
brother,  the  particulars  of  which  must  refer  thee  to  her  own 
brother  and  our  common  friend,  C.  Lawton.  Thy  letters  in- 
closed to  me  I  delivered,  and  was  well  enough  pleased  to  see 
that  one  of  them  was  directed  to  Lord  S.  I  write  no  news,  only 
I  find  that  moderation  on  this  side  of  the  water  is  a  very  recom- 
mending qualification,  as  neither  high  church  nor  violent  Whig 
seem  to  be  the  inclination  and  choice  of  the  ministry.  I  wish 
our  people  on  your  side  had  no  worse  disposition. 

I  cannot  conclude  this  letter  till  I  render  thee,  as  I  now  do, 
my  hearty  acknowledgments  for  all  the  good  advice  thou  hast 
given  for  the  public  and  my  private  good,  especially  thy  senti- 
ments to  the  governor,  upon  those  three  preposterous  bills, 
foolishly  as  well  as  insolently  presented  him  by  David  Lloyd, 
the  last  assembly:  let  him  part  with  nothing  that  is  mine,  for 
had  he  passed  them,  they  would  never  have  been  confirmed 
here,  but  he  might  have  spoiled  himself.  What  a  bargain  should 
I  have  made  for  my  government  with  the  Crown,  after  such  a 
bill  had  taken  from  me  the  very  power  I  should  dispose  of?  I 
will  say  no  more  at  this  time,  but  that  I  am,  with  just  regards, 
thy  very  affectionate  and  faithful  friend,  William  Penn. 

Hyde  Park,  ly/A  \2th-7no.,   {Feb'y,)   1704-5. 

P.  S.  —  Since  writing  the  above,  I  am  assured  by  thy  friends 
there  is  no  prevailing  for  the  salary  formerly  allowed  to  the 
chief  justice  of  York,  and  I  fear  that  government  under  the  pres- 
ent management  is  under  a  very  ill  circumstance  with  the  min- 


3/6  PENN    AND   LOGAN  1^704-$-, 

istry  at  home.     I  shall  order  James  Logan  to  consider  thy  ser- 
vices to  ours,  since  thy  arrival.  W.  P. 

P.  S.  —  The  reason  why  I  use  another  hand  is  my  late  indis- 
position, which  has  left  me  incapable  to  write  myself.  But  I 
bless  Almighty  God  I  am  something  better.  W.  P. 

[Added  in  VV.  Penn's  own  hand :] 

Lord  Cornbury  writ  for  Col.  Quary  about  the  admiralty  busi- 
ness in  thy  disfavor,  to  his  father,  who  followed  his  son's  desires 
to  thy  disadvantage,  of  whom  we  hear  the  worst  of  things,  be 
they  true  or  false.^ 


James  Logan  to  William  Penn. 

1704-5. 

I  have  mentioned  in  the  first  sheet  ^  our  greater  ease  in  the 
government,  and  a  more  pacific  temper  that  seems  growing  on 
the  people,  so  that  this  winter  has  passed  the  most  smoothly 
of  any  time  I  have  known  in  this  government.  Nor  is  it  owing, 
I  believe,  wholly  to  the  season  and  its  severity,  that  has  bound 
up  most  men  in  their  habitations ;  but  there  seems  to  be  grow- 
ing on  the  inhabitants,  in  the  main,  much  better  inclinations ; 
which  could  we  have  the  same  success  in  Portugal  as  in  Bavaria, 
I  believe  would  greatly  increase  upon  us,  for  't  is  Spain  that  must 
support  us,  and  easy  circumstances  seldom  fail  of  superinducing 
good  nature.  Yet,  one  thing  creates  to  me  still  no  small  uneasi- 
ness;  which  is  the  charge  of  our  housekeeping,  and  the  thoughts 
that  all  the  present  emoluments  of  the  governor  will  by  no 
means  defray  it,  though  we  endeavor  to  make  the  best  of  it;  but 
a  good  assembly  may  in  some  measure  make  amends  for  it,  if 
thou  still  thinks  fit  to  continue  it  as  it  is. 

I  cannot  possibly  finish  a  rent-roll,  as  desired:  'tis  a  mighty 

*  When  Lord  Cornbury  was  appointed  to  the  government  of  New 
York  and  the  Jerseys,  John  Askew  wrote  to  a  friend  in  the  country 
that  he  came  partly  to  get  money,  for  that  his  quality  greatly  exceeded 
his  purse,  and  adds,  "the  Duke  of  Norfolk  and  some  other  nobility,  no/ 
of  much  service,  died  this  spring,"  (1701.) — L. 

*This  is  but  part  of  a  letter;  the  first  sheet  cannot  be  found.  — L. 


1704-5]  CORRESPONDENCE.  377 

work  as  I  carry  it  on,  and  will  make  many  quires  of  paper.  I 
never  promised  it  that  I  know  of,  as  thou  art  pleased  to  men- 
tion ;  but  I  shall  drive  it  on  to  my  utmost,  though  the  want  of 
a  good  writer  is  a  hardship,  and  fit  hands  to  be  assistant,  of 
which  I  have  great  reason  to  complain,  as  well  as  that  the  mat- 
ter itself  will  by  no  means  afford  encouragement.  By  next  post, 
if  there  be  a  probability  of  its  reaching  the  fleet,  of  which  I  do 
not  despair,  I  design  to  write  to  Joseph  Pike,  that  haughty  as 
well  as  angry  man,  by  which  the  author  of  those  heats  may 
gain  no  more  than  he  has  by  some  other  of  his  equally  base 
attacks  upon  me.  I  shall  be  very  moderate,  but  must  do  myself 
justice ;  but  I  must  close,  &c.  J.  L. 


APPENDIX. 


Note. — Page  271. 

Extracts  from  a  Report  of  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade 
AND  Plantations,  to  the  House  of  Commons.  Dated  ye  27TH 
OF  March,  1701. 

WE  have  on  many  occasions  represented  to  his  majesty,  as  we  did 
likewise  in  our  report  to  the  late  House  of  Commons,  the  state  of 
such  plantations  in  America  as  are  under  the  government  of  proprietors 
and  charters,  and  how  inconsistent  such  governments  are  with  the  trade 
and  welfare  of  this  kingdom. 

That  these  Colonies  in  general  have  no  ways  answered  the  chief 
design  for  which  such  large  tracts  of  land  and  privileges  and  immuni- 
ties were  granted  by  the  crown. 

That  they  have  not  conformed  themselves  to  the  several  acts  of 
Parliament  for  regulating  trade  and  navigation,  to  which  they  ought  to 
pay  the  same  obedience  and  submit  to  the  same  restrictions  as  the  other 
plantations,  which  are  subject  to  his  majesty's  immediate  governments, 
though  on  the  contrary  in  most  of  these  proprietary  and  charter  gov- 
ernments, the  Governors  have  not  applied  themselves  to  his  majesty 
for  his  approbation,  nor  have  taken  the  oaths  required  by  the  Acts  of 
Trade,  both  which  qualifications  are  made  necessary  by  the  late  act  for 
preventing  frauds  and  regulating  abuses  in  the  plantation  trade. 

That  they  have  assumed  to  themselves  a  power  to  make  laws  con- 
trary and  repugnant  to  the  laws  of  England,  and  directly  prejudicial  to 
our  trade,  some  of  them  having  refused  to  send  hither  such  laws  as  they 
have  there  enacted,  or  have  sent  them  very  imperfectly. 

That  divers  of  them  having  denied  appeals  to  his  majesty  in  council, 
by  which  not  only  the  inhabitants  of  those  Colonies,  but  others,  his 
majesty's  subjects,  are  deprived  of  that  benefit  enjoyed  in  the  planta- 
tions, under  his  majesty's  immediate  government,  and  the  parties 
aggrieved  without  remedy  from  the  illegal  proceedings  of  their  courts. 

379 


380  APPENDIX. 

That  these  Colonies  continue  to  be  the  refuge  and  retreat  of  pirates 
and  illegal  traders,  and  the  receptacle  of  goods  imported  thither  from 
foreign  parts,  contrary  to  the  law,  no  return  of  which  commodities, 
those  (obliterated)  all  of  which  is  much  encouraged  by  their  not  admit- 
ting of  appeals,  as  aforesaid. 

That  by  raising  and  lowering  their  coin  from  time  to  time,  to  their 
particular  advantage,  and  the  prejudice  of  other  Colonies,  by  exempt- 
ing their  inhabitants  from  duties  and  customs  to  which  the  other  Col- 
onies are  subject,  and  by  harboring  of  servants  and  fugitives,  these 
governments  tend  greatly  to  the  undermining  the  trade  of  the  other 
plantations,  and  entice  and  draw  away  the  people  thereof,  which 
diminution  of  hands  in  Colonies  more  beneficial  to  the  crown,  and  do 
very  much  (obliterated).  Independent  Colonies  do  turn  the  course 
of  trade  to  (obliterated)  propagating  woollens  and  other  manufactures 
proper  to  England,  and  not  of  applying  their  thoughts  and  endeavors 
to  such  as  are  fit  to  be  encouraged  in  those  parts,  according  to  the  true 
design  and  intention  of  those  settlements. 

That  these  governments  do  not  put  themselves  in  a  state  of  defence 
against  an  enemy,  nor  do  they  sufficiently  provide  themselves  with  arms 
and  ammunition,  many  of  them  not  having  a  regular  militia,  being  no 
otherwise  at  present  but  in  a  state  of  anarchy  and  confusion.  To 
cure  these  and  other  great  mischiefs  in  these  Colonies,  and  to  introduce 
such  administration  of  government  and  fit  regulations  of  trade  as  may 
make  them  duly  subservient  and  useful  to  England,  we  have  humbly 
offered  our  opinion  that  the  charters  of  several  proprietors  and  other 
instituting  them  to  a  right  of  government,  should  be  resumed  to  the 
crown,  and  these  Colonies  put  into  the  same  state  of  dependency  as 
those  of  his  majesty's  other  plantations,  without  further  prejudice  to 
every  man's  particular  property  and  freehold,  which  we  conceive  cannot 
otherwise  be  well  effected  than  by  the  legislative  power  of  this  kingdom. 


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